Christian Democratic Union

Thorsten Frei was elected as the new parliamentary group leader of Germany's conservative bloc, succeeding Jens Spahn. Frei received 91.9% support and previously led Merz’s Chancellery. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier appointed three new CDU ministers, including Carsten Linnemann as health minister and Steffen Bilger as transport minister.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a leadership crisis in Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) over a surrogacy controversy involving parliamentary leader Jens Spahn. The situation escalated after Spahn's resignation and subsequent government reshuffles, including the dismissal of Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, which exposed internal party tensions and eroded Merz's authority.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz announces a cabinet reshuffle in Germany, with Nina Warken, Carsten Linnemann, and Philipp Amthor present. The move occurs weeks before regional elections amid concerns about a far-right surge.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled top government posts to counter the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of regional elections. The reshuffle includes moving his chief of staff to lead the Union bloc’s parliamentary group and appointing new ministers, but the government remains deeply unpopular as it faces challenges in boosting economic reforms and maintaining coalition unity.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a Cabinet reshuffle, appointing Nina Warken as chancellery chief, making her the first woman in the role. The changes follow Jens Spahn's resignation and aim to strengthen coalition unity and government effectiveness ahead of regional elections.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled his government to address low popularity and counter the far-right Alternative for Germany's growing support. The reshuffle followed a senior ally's resignation and aims to strengthen the coalition ahead of key regional elections in September, where the AfD seeks its first state governor.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled top government posts to address his party's declining popularity and counter the rising influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of regional elections. Key changes include Thorsten Frei moving to lead the parliamentary group, Nina Warken becoming the first woman in a key chancellery role, and Carsten Linnemann taking the health minister position. The government faces challenges in unifying its coalition and implementing reforms amid voter discontent.

Michael Kretschmer, a key ally of Germany's Friedrich Merz, has sparked debate by suggesting cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of September state elections. Merz insists on maintaining a political firewall against the AfD, citing Germany's historical responsibility, but Kretschmer argues against such taboos, urging dialogue with all parties.

Jens Spahn, parliamentary leader of Merz’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), resigned after using a surrogate mother in the U.S., which is banned in Germany. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is leveraging Spahn’s departure to consider a cabinet reshuffle to strengthen his coalition and prepare for regional elections where the far-right AfD is expected to perform well.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated a possible government reshuffle following the resignation of CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn over surrogacy revelations. Spahn stepped down after it was disclosed he and his husband had a child through a U.S. surrogate, a practice banned in Germany. Merz described the potential reshuffle as an opportunity but declined to confirm any specific replacements.

Jens Spahn of Germany's CDU resigned amid controversy over using a surrogate mother in the US. Surrogacy is illegal in Germany, and the CDU opposes its legalization.

Sweden is increasing aid to households and businesses to address the energy crisis. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attended the Moderate Party congress in Stockholm on May 9, 2026.