Merz Reshuffles Cabinet, Naming Linnemann Health Minister as Spahn Exit Jolts Germany's 16-state Coalition
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Jul 24
Merz Reshuffles Cabinet, Naming Linnemann Health Minister as Spahn Exit Jolts Germany's 16-state Coalition
3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Jul 24
Summary
Carsten Linnemann will replace Nina Warken as health minister, while Warken becomes Friedrich Merz's chief of staff — the first woman to hold the post.
Jens Spahn's resignation last weekend over his use of a U.S. surrogate triggered the shake-up, after critics accused the CDU of hypocrisy because surrogacy is banned in Germany.
Philipp Amthor was introduced as minister of state for relations with Germany's 16 states, and Merz said more cabinet changes would follow within days or possibly longer.
Bild reported Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder could also step down, though Merz did not address that portfolio at Friday's press conference.
The reshuffle comes as Merz's popularity has fallen sharply and Germany's economy remains stuck in years of stagnation ahead of regional political tests.