It is tradition that around this time a year, the rotation of ambassadors and affiliated employees is launched, meaning that people receive new functions and positions around the world.
One of the diplomats who will not be affected by this circulation is Jean-Claude Knebeler, who was the ambassador to Russia for the past four years. Since his request for an extension of his posting was denied, Georges Faber will take over as the new ambassador on 1 September.
During a meeting with his superiors earlier this year, Knebeler was offered the leading position in the "nation branding" department of the ministry of the economy, a post which he refused.
According to Reporter, Knebeler now applied for unpaid leave to stay in Moscow and participate in a "think tank". He emphasised that he tried to avoid any potential conflict of interest and cause a similar controversy as former ministers Krecké and Schneider did.
Meanwhile, the "nation branding" department, which was left without a leader after the departure of LSAP politician Francine Closener, will be headed by Beryl Koltz in the future, a director and screen-play writer formerly responsible for communications at the "Oeuvre Grande-Duchesse Charlotte".
