German Chancellor Merz faces broad criticism over cabinet reshuffle, called a 'collection of stopgap solutions'

Philipp Amthor, Nina Warken, Friedrich Merz and Carsten Linnemann (from left, all CDU) Source: Stefan Boness/picture alliance/Ipon

Following the initial reshuffle measures of the federal cabinet, the opposition has given the Chancellor a poor report card. The Left sees Health Minister Linnemann as a "declaration of war," while the AfD describes the new lineup as a "collection of stopgap solutions."

Reshuffle Details

On Friday, Friedrich Merz announced several changes in his cabinet:

• Jens Spahn is stepping down as Union parliamentary group leader, to be replaced by Thorsten Frei, currently head of the Chancellery.
• Frei will be succeeded by Nina Warken, the current Health Minister (all CDU).
• Carsten Linnemann, currently CDU General Secretary, will take over as Health Minister.

The reshuffle was triggered by Spahn's resignation following his announcement of fatherhood via a surrogate mother in the USA. This drew harsh criticism from the Union, which opposes the legalization of surrogacy—a practice banned in Germany. Merz used the moment to restructure his team.

Linnemann's New Role

As recently as May 2025, Linnemann stated in a Phoenix interview that he would probably not be successful as Health Minister. Now, he has expressed confidence in the role.

"I know I will have to delve deeper into the subject. But I think I can do it," Linnemann told Bild. He affirmed his intention to build on Warken's reforms, reduce the number of health insurance funds, and lower social security contributions.

Further Changes and a Setback

Merz announced at a press conference that "there will be further changes," without providing specifics. However, one planned personnel move fell through:

• The Chancellor had reportedly intended to dismiss Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) as recently as Thursday. Schnieder had already said goodbye to colleagues via text message.
• The desired successor, CDU Bundestag member Fritz Güntzler, declined the offer on the morning of the press statement.
• Schnieder remains in office for now.

Internal Party Criticism

Merz's handling of the Transport Minister drew sharp criticism from within his own party.

• Peter Altmaier, former Head of the Chancellery, praised Schnieder as an expert and hard worker. "The way he is being treated makes me concerned and angry" and "does justice neither to his person nor his performance," Altmaier wrote on X.
• Gerhard Kauth, chairman of Schnieder's CDU local association Arzfeld, told Tagesspiegel: "In terms of style, it's the absolute worst." He called the Chancellor's approach "incomprehensible" and "scandalous," describing Schnieder as the "sacrificial lamb" of the reshuffle.
• Michael Ludwig, a Rhineland-Palatinate state parliament member, called the Schnieder case "a communicative disaster." He added that the mood among the grassroots is catastrophic: "We don't understand the Chancellor."

Opposition Reaction

From the opposition, Merz faces heavy attacks.

• The AfD views the reshuffle as evidence of a government crisis, calling it a "collection of stopgap solutions."
• The Left described the appointment of Linnemann as Health Minister as a "declaration of war."