Cabinet appointments remain undecided; Linnemann maintains secretary general role
Germany's New Cabinet Takes Shape: Merz Announces Key Appointments
Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has confirmed that he is in the process of finalizing his future cabinet. In a statement made to the Funke media group, Merz outlined several key appointments and the likely ministries they will hold.
Merz himself will assume the role of Chancellor. Alexander Dobrindt (CDU/CSU) has been named Interior Minister, responsible for immigration, border control, and internal security. Dobrindt has already extended border controls and focused on deportations to countries like Afghanistan and Syria.
Johann Wadephul has been appointed Foreign Minister, emphasizing renewed Franco-German ties, support for Ukraine, EU unity, and active foreign policy engagement with partners such as Israel and Jordan for humanitarian aid.
Katherina Reiche will serve as Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, facing the challenge of guiding Germany through global strategic competition and crises, including economic and energy transitions.
Karsten Wildberger is expected as Minister for Digital Affairs, indicating a focus on digitization and modernization under the new government.
A National Security Council chaired by the Chancellor will include members from the ministries of finance, foreign affairs, defense, internal affairs, justice, economics and energy, digitalization, economic cooperation and development, and the head of the Federal Chancellery.
Merz's cabinet composition reflects his priorities on strengthening foreign partnerships, defending Ukraine and democratic values, tightening internal security, and addressing economic and energy challenges. However, since the cabinet list is still in progress, further appointments and ministry allocations may be announced soon.
In a surprising turn of events, Merz has ruled out a ministerial post for CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann. Linnemann will not be holding a ministerial post in Merz's future cabinet, having declined the offer after careful consideration. Merz appreciates Linnemann's clear language and dynamism and justifies his decision to remain as General Secretary on strategic grounds.
Merz emphasized that Linnemann's decision deserves the utmost respect and dismissed speculations that it is related to the composition of the cabinet or the SPD's rejection of forming a super ministry for work and economy. The teamwork between Merz and Linnemann will continue to be very good and trusting in the future.
The Funke media group reported Merz's statement about his cabinet formation and Linnemann's role on Thursday. The composition of Merz's future cabinet is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days.
policy-and-legislation:The National Security Council, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, will include members from various ministries, suggesting a focus on policy-and-legislation decisions that prioritize national security, economy, energy, digitalization, and diplomatic relations.
general-news: The Funke media group reported Merz's statement about his cabinet formation and Linnemann's role on Thursday, providing general news updates on the ongoing process of finalizing Germany's new cabinet and the roles within it.
