Milan, 24 July (LaPresse/AP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reshuffled several key government posts in an attempt to strengthen his deeply unpopular administration ahead of September’s regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is aiming to secure its first state governor. Merz has taken the opportunity to make a series of changes after a prominent ally of his resigned as leader of the party’s parliamentary group due to personal conduct that had undermined his credibility. Merz intends to entrust this role to his chief of staff, Thorsten Frei. The German leader has stated that Health Minister Nina Warken will take Frei’s place in the chancellery, a role that is crucial to the smooth running of the government. Another close ally, Carsten Linnemann, secretary-general of Merz’s party, will instead become Health Minister. Merz said there would be further changes, but did not provide any details.
Germany: Merz reshuffles government; Warken appointed Head of the Chancellery and Linnemann appointed Health Minister
Milan, 24 July (LaPresse/AP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reshuffled several key government posts in an attempt to strengthen his deeply unpopular administration ahead of September’s regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is aiming to secure its first state governor. Merz has taken the opportunity to make a series of changes after a prominent ally of his resigned as leader of the party’s parliamentary group due to personal conduct that had undermined his credibility. Merz intends to entrust this role to his chief of staff, Thorsten Frei. The German leader has stated that Health Minister Nina Warken will take Frei’s place in the chancellery, a role that is crucial to the smooth running of the government. Another close ally, Carsten Linnemann, secretary-general of Merz’s party, will instead become Health Minister. Merz said there would be further changes, but did not provide any details.
