Story perspectives

Merz Overhauls Cabinet Post-Spahn Resignation, Election Odds Unclear

7/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

After Health Minister Jens Spahn resigned over alleged U.S. surrogacy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled his cabinet.
Merz appointed Steffen Bilger, former state secretary (2018-2021), as Federal Minister of Transport.
He named Nina Warken as the first woman to head the chancellor’s office and coordinate intelligence, and appointed Carsten Linnemann as health minister.
Conservatives warn the reshuffle may not improve the CDU’s prospects in September state elections in three eastern states.

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Story summary

After Health Minister Jens Spahn resigned over alleged U.S. surrogacy, Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled his cabinet.
Merz appointed Steffen Bilger, former state secretary (2018-2021), as Federal Minister of Transport.
He named Nina Warken as the first woman to head the chancellor’s office and coordinate intelligence, and appointed Carsten Linnemann as health minister.
Conservatives warn the reshuffle may not improve the CDU’s prospects in September state elections in three eastern states.