The institution of the Ombudsman’s Office has existed in Rhineland-Palatinate since 1974. More than 138,000 petitions have been processed since then. People seeking advice and help can turn to me in confidence and ask for support in solving problems that have come up with a government department in Rhineland-Palatinate. The aim is to work towards an amicable settlement. This is also provided for in the State Law of 3 May 1974 on the Ombudsman’s Office of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate and the State Police Commissioner, as amended on 8 July 2014.

The citizens can be sure that every request reaches her personally. She deals with every submission diligently and thoroughly in an independent and non-partisan manner.

As the permanent representative of the Petitions Committee and the State Parliament, she also works with the Petitions Committee of the German Bundestag and the European Ombudsman. Citizens have a variety of contacts with government departments or state authorities. Situations may arise in which the citizen feels misunderstood or treated unfairly. An administration’s approach is not always understandable to the citizen. In such cases, the ombudsperson sees herself as a mediator whose aim is to find an acceptable solution. Her support is, of course, free of charge.