Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a cabinet reshuffle.
- Nina Warken was appointed as the new chancellery chief, marking the first time a woman holds the position.
- Carsten Linnemann will succeed Warken as health minister.
- Thorsten Frei is slated to become the new parliamentary group leader, succeeding Jens Spahn.
- Philipp Amthor will coordinate federal-state relations.
- Jens Spahn resigned from his role as parliamentary faction chief due to controversy over surrogacy.
- Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is also expected to be replaced.
- Merz's government faces declining approval ratings and upcoming regional elections.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a cabinet reshuffle, appointing Nina Warken as his new chief of staff, making her the first woman to hold the influential position. The move is part of an effort to inject momentum into his government ahead of difficult state elections in September. Carsten Linnemann is set to take over as health minister, succeeding Warken. Thorsten Frei will replace Jens Spahn as the head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, following Spahn's resignation over a controversy regarding surrogacy. Philipp Amthor will also join the chancellery to coordinate federal-state relations. Merz indicated that further changes are planned, including the replacement of Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder. The reshuffle occurs amid Merz's declining popularity, with his party trailing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in national polls.