Jens Spahn Nabs Top Role in Bundestag Union Fraction, Stepping in as New Boss
Union faction appoints Spahn as its head - Union Group Welcomes Spahn as Its Fresh Leadership Figurehead
In a resounding victory, Jens Spahn (CDU), former health minister, landed the position of Union fraction head in the Bundestag, amassing over 90% of the votes. A whopping 91.3% of the votes were in his favor, according to fraction reports, with the Union disregarding abstentions.
The elections took place with 197 votes cast, and 178 members of parliament voted "yes," 17 voted "no," and 2 opted to abstain. With 208 CDU and CSU members in the Bundestag, taking abstentions into account, Spahn secured a staggering 90.35% of the vote.
Stepping up alongside Spahn as the new first parliamentary business manager is Steffen Bilger, the 46-year-old lawyer from Ludwigsburg. Bilger succeeds Thorsten Frei, set to become chief of staff to the chancellor, earning 93.5% of the votes according to Union calculations.
Having served in the Bundestag for over 20 years, Spahn has plenty of experience. He notably served as a deputy faction chairman during the Union's opposition time following the 2021 elections, with a focus on economic policy. As health minister during the coronavirus crisis and previously as a parliamentary state secretary for finance, he gained invaluable government experience. However, Spahn's tenure as health minister was not without controversy, as he faced criticism for allegedly overpriced protective masks during the pandemic.
Filling Merz's shoes was no small feat. Merz had secured 98% as faction chairman in February, and this Tuesday, he will be vying for the position of federal chancellor in the Bundestag, with CSU chairman Markus Söder by his side. The duo proposed Spahn as Merz's successor in the office of faction chairman. Back in February, Merz had earned 89.5% as faction chairman, and seven months later, he received 87% in the statutory confirmation. Following the Bundestag election, 98% of the members of parliament voted for Merz on February 25.
- Jens Spahn – Politician, Bundestag, Union Fraction, CDU, CSU, Head
- Friedrich Merz – CDU chairman, federal chancellor candidate, Bundestag
- Steffen Bilger – Lawyer, 1st parliamentary business manager
Political Insights:
What's Trending in Germany's Political World
- Jens Spahn's rise to the position of Union fraction head is a significant development in German politics.
- The Union fraction, composed of the CDU and CSU, is a major player in the Bundestag, and Spahn's appointment shows a renewed focus on economic policy within the party under his leadership.
- With former vice-chairman Steffen Bilger as the first parliamentary business manager, the Union is armed with fresh talent and new strategies moving forward.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation. Jens Spahn, the newly appointed Union fraction head in the Bundestag and a member of CDU, may preside over such a policy-and-legislation if his focus on economic policy remains. Steffen Bilger, the new 1st parliamentary business manager, is expected to play a key role in executing this policy. Friedrich Merz, the former CDU chairman and federal chancellor candidate, has recently proposed a focus on workers' health and safety, potentially lending support to the Commission's proposal.
