Ex-RBB head Schlesinger's pension amount revealed.
In a recent ruling by the Berlin Regional Court (Landgericht Berlin II), former Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) director Patricia Schlesinger has achieved a significant partial victory. The court has ordered RBB to pay Schlesinger a pension payment (Ruhegeld) for January 2023, amounting to around €18,300 to €18,400. However, the case regarding ongoing pension payments remains unresolved, with further legal proceedings expected to clarify this[1][2].
The court's ruling comes amidst ongoing investigations into alleged mismanagement and misuse of public funds during Schlesinger's tenure at RBB. The Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office is still investigating Schlesinger for suspected embezzlement and abuse of advantage[1].
The court's decision pertains to one month's pension payment only, and further claims need to be clarified separately. RBB is also investigating damage claims of several million euros, including for bonus payments and an ARD allowance[1]. Additionally, the court has declared RBB's damage claims generally valid, but the exact amount still needs to be determined[1].
The controversy surrounding Schlesinger's tenure at RBB began in the summer of 2022, when the broadcaster faced criticism due to allegations of waste and nepotism[1]. During her time at RBB, Schlesinger reportedly used a luxurious company car with massage seats and an integrated refrigerator, and is said to have held several private dinners at the sender's expense[1].
Schlesinger had initially claimed the cost of installing a self-watering plant wall in her office, amounting to approximately 6,000 euros, as part of a legal dispute over her contractually agreed severance pay[1]. RBB demanded that Schlesinger repay around 24,200 euros in unlawful travel expenses[1].
It is important to note that Schlesinger denies the allegations against her[1]. The ruling regarding Schlesinger's severance payment is not yet final; an appeal to the Higher Regional Court is possible[1]. Schlesinger also has the option to appeal the ruling[1].
Another legal dispute regarding the planning of a digital media house will be tried separately[1]. The court's ruling regarding Schlesinger's pension payment does not affect the ongoing investigations and potential criminal charges against her.
Sources: [1] RBB-Chefin Patricia Schlesinger erhält Ruhegeld, aber die Zukunft der Rente ist unklar, Tagesspiegel, 16th July 2025,
- The court's ruling, awarding Patricia Schlesinger a pension payment for January 2023, occurred within the context of alleged financial misconduct and mismanagement during her tenure as Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) director, as investigations for potential embezzlement and abuse of advantage by the Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office are still ongoing.
- Despite the court's decision on one month's pension payment, there are ongoing investigations related to RBB's damage claims, including bonus payments and ARD allowance, and the exact amount is yet to be determined, while the case regarding ongoing pension payments remains unresolved, with further legal proceedings expected.
