The Federal Government’s Commissioner for the New States is responsible for ensuring that the specific interests of citizens of East Germany are taken into account in all decisions and measures of the federal government. These specific interests result from the fundamental transformation processes in the aftermath of the German unification which affected the East German population in nearly every aspect of life and continues to have an effect today. While also taking into account the whole of Germany, the creation of equal living conditions in accordance with the German constitution therefore remains as key focus. The commissioner works in close alliance with the federal ministries as well as with the East German state governments.