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Mittelstädt separates from Beyer: Conflicts over wolves escalate!
Brandenburg's Agriculture Minister Mittelstädt is separating from State Secretary Beyer due to loss of trust and contradictory wolf strategies.
Mittelstädt separates from Beyer: Conflicts over wolves escalate!
When it comes to wolves in Brandenburg, tempers are really heated right now. Today, September 8, 2025, there was a high-profile personnel decision in the Ministry of Agriculture. Brandenburg Agriculture Minister Hanka Mittelstädt (SPD) has separated from her State Secretary Gregor Beyer (independent) after a loss of trust occurred between the two. According to rbb24, this was particularly about the differences regarding how to deal with the wolf population in the region.
Which problems specifically led to the break? Beyer had suggested a shooting quota for wolves and estimated the population to be at least 1,000 and probably even 1,500 to 1,600 animals. This led to disagreements, as Mittelstädt was of the opinion that it was “premature” to have such discussions publicly. Instead of setting quotas, she wanted to initiate a dialogue with everyone involved in September in order to defuse the emotional tensions surrounding the wolf. After all, there are increasing concerns in rural communities about wolves attacking sheep and other grazing livestock, putting pressure on farmers. maz-online also points out that a general killing quota is rejected by nature conservation organizations.
The numbers speak for themselves
If Beyer's words are to be believed, Brandenburg has one of the highest wolf densities in the world. It is estimated that over 2,000 wolves live here, which is significant compared to Norway, which is eleven times larger. The wolf population there is limited to 250 individuals. While the wolf remains a protected species under the Federal Nature Conservation Act, the need for active population management is also pointed out. Beyer himself expects that it will be possible to set a removal quota by 2026 at the latest - of course without endangering the population.
The Ministry of Agriculture continues to think about the challenges ahead and the dialogue with hunters, farmers and nature conservation associations. A “Wolfs Plenum” is planned to clarify open questions and seek a common solution. In Brandenburg the number of wolf families has increased to 58, followed by Lower Saxony and Saxony, underlining the urgency of the talks. nd-aktuell emphasizes that there is a need for improvement, particularly in the cooperation between animal rights activists and farmers.
Meanwhile, Frank Reichel, head of the nature conservation department, will temporarily take over Beyer's duties. Mittelstädt emphasizes that this personnel decision will have no impact on the ministry's political agenda. Topics such as strengthening rural areas and consumer protection remain in focus.
What happens next remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the conflict over wolves will continue to generate a lot of conversation, and everyone seems to have some interest in raising their voice on the topic.