German President Steinmeier appoints three new CDU ministers, hints at criticism of delayed oath

Published Jul 29, 10:16 AM UTC

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier formally appointed three new CDU ministers on July 29, 2026: Carsten Linnemann as Health Minister, Steffen Bilger as Transport Minister, and Nina Warken as Head of the Chancellery. Outgoing ministers Patrick Schnieder and Thorsten Frei received their dismissal certificates. In his remarks, Steinmeier hinted at criticism of the decision to delay the ministers' oath of office until after the summer break in early September, emphasizing that the Basic Law requires the oath to be taken upon taking office. He also called for reforms, investment, and defense capability amid international tensions. The reshuffle was triggered by Jens Spahn's resignation from the Union parliamentary group leadership, leading to broader criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's handling of the personnel changes, including attacks from the Bremen CDU leader.

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