German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has asked Chancellor Friedrich Merz to dismiss him, seeking to end what he described as an unworthy situation, as the government undergoes a broad cabinet reshuffle triggered by the resignation of parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn.
Merz had intended to replace Schnieder, but his designated successor Fritz Güntzler withdrew at short notice after initially accepting the post. Parliamentary business manager Steffen Bilger is now considered the most likely successor. Sports Minister Christiane Schenderlein is also set to be replaced, with a former athlete reportedly in line for the role.
CSU leader Markus Söder defended the reshuffle as appropriate and placed blame for the delays on an unnamed colleague who reneged on a commitment, rather than on Merz. Among other appointments, Nina Warken becomes chancellery chief of staff, Carsten Linnemann takes over as health minister, and Thorsten Frei leads the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.