German Chancellor Merz reshuffles cabinet following parliamentary leader's departure

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn.

Under the restructuring, Health Minister Nina Warken will become chief of the Chancellery, replacing Thorsten Frei, who moves to succeed Spahn as head of the parliamentary group. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann takes over the Health Ministry. Reports from ARD also indicate Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is expected to leave his post, with CDU politician Fritz Güntzler named as a potential successor, though official confirmation remains pending. Merz indicated additional personnel changes will follow in due course.

Sources: ORF, Tagesschau.