Proceedings against minister: court proposes dismissal

Saxony's Minister of Culture Conrad Clemens (CDU) may not have to stand trial as a speeding offender in criminal proceedings after all. At a hearing at the Weißwasser district court, judge Alex Theile suggested dropping the case in exchange for a fine of 10,000 euros. Two thirds of this is to go to a charitable organization. In addition, Clemens is to attend a traffic rehabilitation seminar and give at least 20 hours of traffic lessons at schools.

At 81 km/h in a 30 km/h zone

Clemens was banned from driving for two months and fined in 2023 during his previous position as State Secretary and Plenipotentiary of the Free State of Saxony to the Federal Government. He had been flashed at 81 kilometers per hour in a 30 km/h zone in Krauschwitz (Görlitz district) - at a retirement home. "Yes, I made a mistake," he told Radio Lausitz and also admitted to speeding when asked by dpa.

Court did not rule out illegal motor vehicle racing

Clemens lodged an objection to the fine and driving ban, but withdrew it shortly before the first scheduled hearing date. By its own admission, the court later gave Clemens and his defense lawyer a legal notice stating that the traffic violation could also be considered a prohibited motor vehicle race. This advice turned the misdemeanour proceedings into criminal proceedings, the court clarified.

Minister of Education no longer has to drive himself in future

The district court had already applied for the immunity of Clemens, who is also a member of the state parliament, to be waived before the current proposal to discontinue the proceedings. The Minister of Culture, who has a driver in his new role and no longer has to drive himself, should first be heard by the immunity committee. This procedure would be unnecessary if the dismissal of the case is approved.

Clemens had been personally invited to the court hearing on Monday morning, but stayed away due to the unresolved immunity issue and was represented by his defense lawyer. The district judge gave the parties to the proceedings one week to agree to his proposal.