Education Minister Clemens in Court — "Deal" Falls Through

The criminal proceedings against Saxony’s Minister of Culture, Conrad Clemens, regarding a traffic offense are continuing. At the start of the fourth day of the trial at the Weißwasser District Court, Judge Alex Theile initially granted both sides’ request for a legal consultation. However, after about an hour behind closed doors, no agreement was reached. According to the judge, the discussion focused on the continuation of the proceedings and possibilities for dismissal.

Judge Rejects Motion to Dismiss the Case

The hearing then resumed. Judge Theile rejected a motion by the defense to dismiss the case. He stated that the requirements for dismissal had not been met.

The withdrawal of the objection to the fine notice did not occur until the afternoon of March 12, 2025, and was therefore late. The judge had previously suggested dismissing the case if Clemens paid 10,000 euros, attended a traffic safety seminar, and provided at least 20 hours of traffic safety instruction to students. 

Charges: Illegal car racing and misuse of license plates

In the criminal proceedings, Clemens is accused of illegal car racing and misuse of license plates. He denies the charges. He had admitted to and expressed regret for a speeding violation. In September 2023, Clemens was caught by a speed camera driving 81 km/h in a 30-km/h zone near a retirement home in Krauschwitz. At the time, he was not yet a minister but was serving as State Secretary in charge of the Saxon State Representation in Berlin. 

At the time, Clemens was behind the wheel of an official vehicle bearing so-called “camouflage license plates.” He had been handed a two-month driving ban and a 500-euro fine. He filed an appeal against the decision but later sought to withdraw it. The traffic citation proceedings turned into criminal proceedings.

Clemens Regrets Speeding Offense

In a statement on the matter on the first day of the trial, Clemens’ attorney noted that his client had admitted to his actions at the time. “It was a mistake that he regrets.”

The fact that he bears full responsibility for this is also evidenced by the fact that he paid the fine and surrendered his driver’s license. He criticized the court’s decision to turn an administrative offense into a criminal offense.