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Spahn Resigns Over Surrogate Birth, Merz May Announce Cabinet Shuffle

7/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Health Minister Jens Spahn resigned on Saturday after his baby was born to a surrogate mother in the United States, a practice his party opposes.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz could announce a cabinet reshuffle on Friday.
Nina Warken is likely to become head of Merz’s chancellery.
Thorsten Frei would succeed Spahn as head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction.
Carsten Linnemann could replace Warken as health minister.

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Story summary

Health Minister Jens Spahn resigned on Saturday after his baby was born to a surrogate mother in the United States, a practice his party opposes.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz could announce a cabinet reshuffle on Friday.
Nina Warken is likely to become head of Merz’s chancellery.
Thorsten Frei would succeed Spahn as head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction.
Carsten Linnemann could replace Warken as health minister.