German chancellor Friedrich Merz confirms cabinet reshuffle following Jens Spahn's resignation

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz officially confirmed key cabinet changes on Friday following the resignation of CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn.

Under the announced reshuffle, Health Minister Nina Warken will become Chancellery chief, replacing Thorsten Frei, who transitions to succeed Spahn as parliamentary leader. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann will take over the Health Ministry. Merz indicated that further personnel adjustments will follow. According to media reports, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is also expected to be replaced by financial politician Fritz Güntzler, though official confirmation remains pending.

While initial announcements appeared more limited than anticipated, the restructuring aims to stabilize government operations following Spahn's departure over a surrogacy scandal.

Sources: ORF, Tagesschau.