CDU Appoints First Foreign Minister in 60 Years as Government Reshuffles

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has unveiled its cabinet list for the upcoming coalition government, marking a significant political shift in Germany. Friedrich Merz is expected to take the position of Chancellor, while the CDU has nominated four male and three female ministers to join the government.

Katherina Reiche, an energy manager and former CDU Bundestag member, has been appointed as the new Minister of Economy. This appointment is notable as she becomes the first person from East Germany to serve in this role. The Foreign Ministry, which has been under the control of other parties for nearly six decades, will now be headed by Johann Wadephul, an expert in foreign and security affairs.

During a recent meeting, Merz presented the names of the nominees. Meanwhile, Markus Söder, the leader of the CSU, is set to announce the three CSU ministers in Munich. According to sources within the CSU, Alexander Dobrindt, the current head of the CSU parliamentary group, is being considered for the position of Interior Minister in the new coalition.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is expected to reveal its cabinet members after finalizing its internal decision, with an announcement anticipated before May 5. Following this, Merz is scheduled to be elected Chancellor by the Bundestag on May 6.

In addition to Reiche, the cabinet will include Karsten Wildberger as the Digital Minister. Wildberger, who currently leads Ceconomy, the parent company of Media Markt and Saturn, will oversee the newly created ministry focused on digitalization and modernization of the state.

As for the Chancellor's Office, Merz has chosen Thorsten Frei, a trusted associate and the current parliamentary group manager from Baden-Württemberg, to serve as the Chancellor's Office Minister. The Transport Ministry will be led by Patrick Schnieder, a member of the Bundestag from Rhineland-Palatinate.

Nina Warken, another CDU Bundestag member from Baden-Württemberg, is set to become the new Minister of Health. The Minister of Education and Family will be Karin Prien, who currently serves as the Minister of Education in Schleswig-Holstein. Additionally, Wolfram Weimer, a publicist, has been nominated as the State Minister for Culture in the Chancellor's Office.