Merz’s Cabinet Shake-Up | Europe News

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pulling off a major cabinet reshuffle to revitalize Germany’s government and boost public approval, following Jens Spahn’s exit as CDU parliamentary leader. Thorsten Frei takes over Spahn’s role, while Health Minister Nina Warken becomes the first woman in the chancellery — and Carsten Linnemann steps into her former post. Philipp Amthor moves to oversee federal-state relations. These moves come as Germany braces for regional elections where the far-right AfD is poised to surge, and Merz aims to signal bold reforms in pensions and healthcare. More changes are expected, but Merz is taking his time — especially with summer recess looming. Formal Bundestag approval is pending, but interim appointments can begin once the president signs off. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a040317efdda2352