Scientist Hendrik Streeck appointed as new head of governmental drug commission - Scientist Hendrik Streeck assumes role as government's drug administration official.
Virologist Hendrik Streeck Appointed as Federal Drug Commissioner
In a recent cabinet meeting, Virologist Hendrik Streeck, a member of the German Bundestag and a CDU party member, was designated as the new Federal Drug Commissioner. The appointment was suggested by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU). Streeck is set to replace SPD politician Burkhard Blienert in this role.
Sophie Koch, a 31-year-old SPD member of the Saxon state parliament, assumed the position of Commissioner for the Acceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity, taking over from the Green politician Sven Lehmann. This commissioner role is housed within the Family Ministry.
The appointment of Streeck marks a shift towards a more evidence-based, preventive, and human-centered drug policy, as Streeck stated, "As a doctor and scientist, I don't want to wag my finger, but to help, enlighten and act."
Having gained national prominence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for his expertise in the field of virology and public health communication[1][2], Streeck entered the Bundestag in February following the 2025 federal elections[1].
The Federal Government, led by the black-red coalition, has eliminated more than half of the federal commissioners, with 25 of the previous 43 positions being abolished. The justification for this reduction, as Vice-Chancellor Sebastian Hille explained, comes from the criticism of the increased number of commissioners under the previous government during the election campaign and the promise of a reduction in the event of a change of government[4].
About Hendrik Streeck- Prominent German virologist, physician, and politician affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)[1]- Head of the Institute of Virology at the University Hospital Bonn[1]- Member of the German Bundestag since the 2025 federal elections[1]- Gained national recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for his expertise in virology and public health communication[1][2]
[1] https://www.bundestag.de/bild-mepper/bundestagsabgeordnete/19/663792
[2]https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/we-shouldn-t-let-scientists-claims-scare-us-ncna1039182
[3] https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-covid-19-debate-protesters-reject-lockdown-demands/a-56755909
[4] https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/staendeakoordinierungskommission-in-zurich-wechselt-den-vorsitz-3367202
[5] https://www.dw.com/en/german-government-unveils-its-cabinet-and-plans/a-57516197
- The European Parliament, as part of its ongoing discussions on health and wellness, is expected to address the role of science in medical-conditions and general-news, particularly emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policies, following the appointment of Hendrik Streeck as the new Federal Drug Commissioner.
- As the European Parliament deliberates on politics and policy reforms, the impact of Streeck's appointment as Federal Drug Commissioner is set to be a key topic for discussion, given his expertise in virology, public health, and communication on such pressing issues.
- In light of the recent shift towards a more preventive, human-centered drug policy in Germany, the European Parliament may look towards the implementation of similar strategies as a means to improve health care and advance science across member states.
