Anton Biebl has been appointed as the interim General Director, indicating a serious commitment to restructuring the institution.

Minister Blume emphasized that while the core accusations against Maaz are incorrect, a significant 'crisis of trust' has emerged, prompting the need for a thorough investigation.

Blume cited indications of misconduct and organizational failures as reasons for Maaz's removal, stating that necessary steps and an internal investigation will be initiated.

These new allegations, which were not linked to the original scandal, raise questions about internal management and oversight, prompting a separate investigation led by a former prosecutor.

Minister Blume called for a shift away from bureaucratic operations in Bavarian museums, urging the public to trust the reform process despite its expected length.

Critics, including Charlotte Knobloch of the Jewish Community in Munich, have expressed outrage over the perceived neglect of rightful heirs of looted artworks, with claims that the state has shown no intent to return artworks.

Bavarian Arts Minister Markus Blume has announced the dismissal of Bernhard Maaz as the director of the Bavarian State Painting Collections amid ongoing debates about the return of looted art.

To improve the overall museum landscape, a reform commission will be established to recommend modern structures for museums, aiming for greater independence from bureaucratic oversight.

A roundtable discussion will be established to address the restitution of artworks seized from Jewish owners during the Nazi era, with art historian Meike Hopp leading the investigation into potential errors in the collections.

Blume acknowledged a continuing trust crisis within the BStGS, prompting the decision for Maaz's removal and immediate replacement by Anton Biebl, the ministry's new Change Manager.

The Bavarian State Painting Collections have only managed to restitute 25 artworks in the last 27 years, raising questions about their transparency and efficiency.

Biebl acknowledged the existence of a deep trust crisis within the museums and stressed the urgency of restoring confidence and ensuring operational capability during the transition.