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CSU versus Free Voters – now there's a clash over Microsoft!
What happens when two governing parties disagree? In Bavaria, this is currently playing out quite loudly—and it's not about education or transportation, but software. More specifically, Microsoft. The state is considering switching its administrative IT to Microsoft 365. But instead of unity, open conflict now reigns.
While Finance Minister Albert Füracker (CSU) considers the move to be economically sound and data-secure, Digital Minister Fabian Mehring (Free Voters) is sounding the alarm: the influence of large US corporations has long been a geopolitical risk. His demand: back to square one, reassess everything.
What's it all about?
At first glance, the idea sounds pragmatic: instead of each government agency purchasing Microsoft licenses individually, there should be a uniform framework. This would reduce costs and simplify processes. Incidentally, such a contract has already been in place for years—the only new aspect would be to make greater use of it and equip more government agencies centrally with Microsoft 365.
The problem? While almost all Bavarian authorities already use Microsoft, Mehring does not see this as an argument for tying everything even more closely to a US corporation. His argument: "The geopolitical situation has changed fundamentally" – which is why digital dependencies must be viewed much more critically today than they were a few years ago.
Füracker: Criticism "borders on fake news"
Finance Minister Füracker responds sharply. He refers to statements that "border on fake news" and emphasizes that the data remains in state data centers, so sovereignty is not at risk. Furthermore, according to Füracker, the existing contract was concluded by the Ministry of Digital Affairs itself. Therefore, there can be no question of a new deal.
But despite all the political rhetoric, the key question remains: How independent can a country really be if its core software comes from abroad? Because even if the data stays in Bavaria, Microsoft ultimately has control over the software.
Criticism from several directions
Minister Mehring is not alone in seeing risks. IT experts and business representatives are also warning of long-term dependency—and the possible consequences: rising costs, limited flexibility, security concerns. What's more, anyone who relies on US providers is ultimately also dependent on US politics.
Mehring's proposal is therefore not unfounded, but rather a reflection of growing uncertainty in digital policy. The fact that there is fierce opposition to it from within his own ranks shows how divided the state government is on this issue.
Our classification
Politicians like to talk about "digital sovereignty," but when it comes down to it, suddenly all that matters are price lists and contract terms. This isn't about some software update—it's about the digital self-determination of an entire state. Instead of stubbornly sticking with Microsoft, it's high time to take an open look at European alternatives. Digitalization shouldn't be convenient—it should be bold.
Source: heise.de
