Carsten Linnemann Declines Ministerial Post in Friedrich Merz's Cabinet
Prominent figure from the CDU abruptly steps down from role
In a surprising turn of events, Carsten Linnemann, the General Secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has decided against joining Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz's cabinet. Merz had offered Linnemann the choice of becoming a minister or remaining as general secretary for the entire legislative period. However, Linnemann chose to continue working for the CDU, a decision that Merz approved.
Linnemann, who hails from North Rhine-Westphalia, had expressed his interest in a ministerial post a few days ago. Rumors swirled about his potential roles in the cabinet, with economics or labor minister being the most speculated. The SPD, the other coalition partner, secured the labor ministry in the coalition talks, preventing Linnemann from taking that position.
The coalition partners have agreed on the distribution of ministries but have not yet named cabinet members. The SPD will not name its members until after the conclusion of the member vote on the coalition agreement, which ends on April 29. As for the CDU, the potential ministerial candidates from North Rhine-Westphalia remain undisclosed.
The decision by Linnemann not to join the cabinet comes amidst internal and external pressures faced by the CDU. Merz's decision to partially suspend arms deliveries to Israel caused unrest within the party, highlighting internal divisions. The black-red coalition, comprising the CDU/CSU and SPD, has also been challenged by issues like the electricity tax, budget gaps, and state elections in 2026.
Jens Spahn, a deputy parliamentary group leader from the NRW CDU, confirmed Linnemann's continuation as general secretary on the X platform. Despite the lack of clarity about the CDU's ministerial candidates from North Rhine-Westphalia, it is expected that they will be chosen based on their political influence, party loyalty, and expertise in specific policy areas.
This decision by Linnemann adds another layer of intrigue to the political landscape in Germany, where the new government is still in the process of taking shape. The CSU leader Markus Söder suggested that the CSU ministers might not be announced until Merz's swearing-in as chancellor on May 6.
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