Yesterday evening I had the opportunity, as President of the Chamber of Public Accountantsto promote our profession in front of around 2,500 invited guests at the annual business reception in Mainz. Although I was able to give the evening's keynote speaker, Federal Minister of Economics Robert HabeckI was unable to elicit whether the audit of sustainability reports will become a reserved task for auditors. However, I have pointed out that, in connection with the implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), it would be obvious for auditors to become active in connection with compliance with corporate due diligence obligations. This is because commissioning civil servants to audit compliance with corporate due diligence obligations is not a contribution to reducing bureaucracy, but rather creates new bureaucracy. Especially as Robert Habeck told and lamented some examples from his environment in connection with excessive bureaucracy. The "auditor model" has also recently been criticized by our Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, on Deutschlandfunk radio. The Chamber of Auditors has not yet made a public statement in this regard.

Hans-Jörg Friese, President of the Rheinhessen Chamber of Skilled Crafts, previously addressed the topic of reducing bureaucracy "sustainably" in his statement. Dr. Wilfried Woop, President of the Rhineland-Palatinate Dental Association, pointed out the challenges facing dentists. I was able to assure my business colleagues that, as auditors, we are happy to help them find solutions to their business problems. Patricia Küll then correctly pointed out the "obviously" good order situation and the associated "income opportunities" for auditors. We do indeed see the development and auditing of sustainability reporting as an opportunity for our profession. This also applies in particular to the recruitment of young professionals. Malu Dreyer received a great deal of applause from the audience with many of her comments. Yesterday was an interesting and exciting evening for me. The exchange with my colleague from the Chamber of Tax Consultants, Walter Sesterhennand the other presidents. Many thanks to Patricia Küll for the great moderation!

If you are interested in watching the entire event, you can do so here:
https://lnkd.in/dbsgFr-M
My speech begins after 34 minutes and 30 seconds.
Mr. Habeck speaks from the 43rd minute.

Dr. Michael Hüning, Andreas Dörschell, Melanie Sack, Manuela Schwoy, Dr. Wolf-Michael Farr, Torsten Moser,