Merz announces German cabinet reshuffle following Spahn's departure

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

Under the plan presented on Friday, Health Minister Nina Warken will become Chancellery chief. She replaces Thorsten Frei, who was nominated to succeed Spahn as parliamentary leader. CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann is set to head the Health Ministry, while Philipp Amthor will serve as federal-state commissioner.

Although the initial announcements were smaller than expected, Merz indicated further personnel changes are coming. Reports suggest Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder may be replaced by financial politician Fritz Güntzler, though Merz has not officially confirmed changes to the transport portfolio.

Sources: Der Standard, ORF, Tagesschau.