Germany’s government is set to complete a Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday that was triggered by the resignation of conservative parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn over a surrogacy controversy.
Members of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc are to meet in a special session to elect Thorsten Frei, currently the head of the Federal Chancellery, as Spahn’s replacement.
Frei’s appointment triggered a number of other moves, with Merz using the change as an opportunity for a major Cabinet reshuffle.
Health Minister Nina Warken is to succeed Frei as head of the Chancellery. Carsten Linnemann, general secretary of the Christian Democrats (CDU), is to replace Warken as health minister.
Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is also leaving the Cabinet and will be succeeded by senior CDU lawmaker Steffen Bilger.
Following the special session, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is to formally appoint the new Cabinet members, who will then take over their ministries.
Under Germany’s constitution, new ministers must also take the oath of office before the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag. However, because the Bundestag is currently in its summer recess, the swearing-in is expected to take place when lawmakers return, currently scheduled for the first sitting week after the break, likely on September 9.
The personnel changes were triggered by Spahn’s resignation in mid-July after he disclosed that he and his husband, Daniel Funke, had become parents through surrogacy in the United States. Surrogacy is prohibited in Germany, and the CDU – as well as Spahn – has consistently opposed its legalization. Facing strong criticism, including from within the conservative alliance, Spahn stepped down.