Germany's Merz Unveils Cabinet Picks, Focuses on Stability
BERLIN — Germany’s incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced his first wave of cabinet appointments on Monday, selecting a mix of seasoned policymakers, business leaders, and party loyalists to steer key ministries. The lineup underscores Merz’s focus on economic revitalization, security, and digital transformation as Germany faces mounting global challenges.
Foreign and Economic Policy in Focus
Johann Wadephul, a veteran defense and foreign policy expert, has been tapped to lead the Foreign Ministry, tasked with navigating escalating international tensions. In a pivotal economic appointment, former energy executive and ex-lawmaker Katherina Reiche will helm the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, overseeing Germany’s ambitious reindustrialization strategy.
Transport policymaker Patrick Schnieder will take charge of the Transport Ministry, while Karin Prien, previously Schleswig-Holstein’s education minister, will lead federal education policy. Legal specialist Nina Warken, a surprise pick, has been nominated as health minister despite lacking prior healthcare policy experience.
New Ministries and Conservative Leadership
Merz is establishing a Ministry for Digitalization, appointing physicist and tech executive Karsten Wildberger to accelerate long-delayed government reforms. Meanwhile, prominent journalist Wolfram Weimer will oversee cultural and media affairs, and Bundestag member Christiane Schenderlein will serve as state minister for sports and volunteer engagement.
On European policy, Merz has placed trusted allies in key roles: Serap Güler becomes state minister for international cooperation, while EU policy veteran Gunther Krichbaum takes charge of European affairs.
Thorsten Frei, a close Merz confidant and former CDU/CSU parliamentary manager, will lead the Chancellery—a powerful chief-of-staff role—ensuring discipline as Merz pushes his domestic and security agenda.
CSU Secures Three Key Posts
The CDU’s Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), will control three ministries:
Alexander Dobrindt, a CSU heavyweight and former transport minister, becomes interior minister.
Dorothee Bär, a leading conservative lawmaker, will head the newly created Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space.
Alois Rainer, a finance expert and former mayor, takes over agriculture.
SPD Appointments Pending
The center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are expected to announce their six ministerial nominees after a Wednesday vote on the coalition agreement. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is widely anticipated to retain his post.
The new government is set to take office on May 6, following Merz’s formal election as chancellor by the Bundestag.