Merz Sacks Transport Minister Over €500 Billion Fund, Naming Bilger After Chaotic Delay
Updated
Updated · Financial Times · Jul 27
Merz Sacks Transport Minister Over €500 Billion Fund, Naming Bilger After Chaotic Delay
3 articles · Updated · Financial Times · Jul 27
Summary
Patrick Schnieder was removed as Germany’s transport minister on Monday after Friedrich Merz signaled frustration that infrastructure spending was moving too slowly despite a €500 billion borrowing-backed fund.
Steffen Bilger, a Christian Democrat and former junior transport minister, now takes over Deutsche Bahn reform, rail punctuality and modernization of Germany’s aging rail and road network.
The switch capped a week-long reshuffle that was delayed when Merz’s first choice withdrew hours before Friday’s planned announcement, leaving Schnieder in limbo after being informed by text.
Criticism spread inside Merz’s CDU after Schnieder called the episode “undignified” and former minister Peter Altmaier publicly rebuked the treatment, undercutting a shake-up meant to revive the unpopular government.
A year into office, Merz is under pressure to restart growth in Europe’s largest economy after seven years of near-stagnation, making faster delivery of infrastructure investment central to his agenda.