Justiz: Ex-Minister Scheuer nach Maut-Debakel vor Gericht

Former German Federal Minister Andreas Scheuer, 51, and his ex-staffer Gerhard Schulz, 60, are facing trial at the Landgericht Berlin over allegations of false statements during the Berlin-based Bundestag committee's hearings on the controversial auto maut (toll) scheme. The trial begins after the Berlin prosecutors filed charges against the two men on August 8, 2025, following several private complaints.

The central issue in the case is whether Scheuer and Schulz lied during their testimony before the Bundestag committee in November 2018. The prosecution alleges that both men, despite their actual recollections, falsely claimed not to remember being offered a deal on post-European Court of Justice (EuGH) paut agreement signing. The offer was reportedly made by the operator's representatives to Scheuer during a breakfast meeting at the ministry in late November 2018.

Scheuer allegedly rejected the offer, but claimed he did not recall any such offer, contradicting Schulz's testimony.

Scheuer's defense team denies the allegations, with their spokesman Daniel Krause stating that his client "firmly denies having given an incorrect answer to a question directed at him." The former minister has always cooperated with the prosecution, according to Krause. Schulz also denies the charges. Both defendants benefit from the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

The trial will be the first time a former federal minister faces court proceedings after leaving office. Despite the rarity of such occurrences, there is significant public interest in the case. Over 100 media representatives from across Germany have registered for the proceedings, which are expected to last twelve days. If convicted, Scheuer and Schulz could face up to five years in prison, according to the StGB law. The state of Bavaria will cover the costs of their legal defense.