Munich, September 22 – In a significant reshuffle within the Bavarian state government, former Oktoberfest chief Josef Schmid (CSU) has been named the new State Minister of Justice. The announcement was made today by Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU), following the resignation of Georg Eisenreich (CSU) from the position.
Schmid to Assume Justice Portfolio by Month’s End
Josef Schmid is slated to take over the Justice Ministry by the end of September. This move comes after Georg Eisenreich, who served as Justice Minister, cited personal reasons for his departure, stating his intention to return to his legal practice after a long career in politics.
Minister-President Markus Söder and CSU parliamentary group leader Klaus Holetscheck confirmed the personnel changes today. Schmid, a trained business lawyer, has a long history in Munich politics. He served as a member of the Munich City Council since 2002, initially as an honorary councilor and later as a parliamentary group leader. Since 2011, he has been the deputy district chairman of the CSU in Munich.
From Oktoberfest to Justice: Schmid’s Political Journey
From 2014 to 2018, Schmid held the position of Second Mayor of the City of Munich and also headed the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs, which is notably responsible for the organization of the Oktoberfest. Following the state election in 2018, he transitioned to the Bavarian State Parliament.
Schmid studied business administration and law, and has been an independent lawyer and partner in a law firm since 2000. In the State Parliament, he currently serves on the Committee for Housing, Construction and Transport, as well as the Committee for Economy, State Development, Energy, Media and Digitalization.
Political Shake-up Precedes Oktoberfest
The announcement of Schmid’s appointment comes just before the start of the 191st Munich Oktoberfest, which is scheduled to run from September 19 to October 4, 2026. This political shift highlights a dynamic period in Bavarian governance, with key leadership changes occurring amidst major cultural events.
The Oktoberfest is one of Munich’s most significant annual events, attracting millions of visitors and playing a crucial role in the city’s economy and cultural identity. Schmid’s previous experience overseeing the festival’s economic aspects provides him with a unique perspective on the intersection of public administration and large-scale public events.
Eisenreich’s Departure and Future Plans
Georg Eisenreich’s resignation on Thursday, September 17, 2026, marks the end of his tenure as Justice Minister. His decision to step down to focus on his legal career underscores a personal choice to move away from the demands of professional politics. Eisenreich’s contributions to the Bavarian government have been acknowledged, and his transition back to private practice will be closely watched.
The appointment of Josef Schmid is expected to bring a new dynamic to the Justice Ministry. His extensive legal background combined with his experience in municipal and state politics positions him to tackle the challenges and responsibilities of his new role effectively.
This political development is a key topic of discussion in Bavaria, especially given its timing relative to the upcoming Oktoberfest. The focus now shifts to Schmid’s leadership and the direction he will take the Justice Ministry in the coming months.
