Bavarian State Parliament: Dispute over Microsoft escalates

Bavarian State Parliament Debates Microsoft Contract Amid Digital Sovereignty Concerns The Bavarian Ministry of Finance is pursuing a multi-million euro contract extension with Microsoft for its state administration, a move that has ignited significant debate. This proposed renewal of existing agreements for office software and Windows licenses underscores a long-standing reliance on the US tech giant within public administration, raising critical questions about digital sovereignty and data security. Opposition parties are advocating for a departure from Microsoft, emphasizing the need for greater autonomy in the state's digital infrastructure. Critics argue that extending the contract would solidify the state's dependence on Microsoft for years to come, potentially limiting future technological flexibility. Concerns have been publicly aired by both the Ministry of Finance and the Digital Minister regarding data protection and the possibility of US governmental access to Bavarian data. This internal disagreement highlights the complex challenges of balancing operational continuity with strategic digital independence. In contrast, the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein has successfully transitioned its public administration to an open-source workplace environment, reportedly saving approximately 15 million euros in licensing costs. This successful migration serves as a tangible example of how public entities can achieve digital sovereignty and cost efficiencies. Proponents in Bavaria hope this success story will influence current policy decisions and encourage a similar shift away from US technology providers.