Carsten Linnemann, CDU general secretary since July 2023, is apparently about to join the federal government. The 48-year-old member of parliament from Paderborn is reportedly set to become health minister, replacing Nina Warken, who is moving to the Chancellery. Official confirmation is still pending.
Linnemann had turned down an initial offer for a ministerial post last year, saying at the time that rebuilding the CDU was not yet complete and he wanted to continue that process. Now Chancellor Friedrich Merz has apparently changed his mind. The trained business economist and long-time chairman of the Mittelstands- und Wirtschaftsunion is considered down-to-earth and is known for his motto ‘Einfach mal machen’ (Just do it).
In the shadow of party leader and Chancellor Merz, Linnemann had a difficult position as general secretary. Union’s declining poll numbers and the rise of the AfD also reflected on him. Moving to a ministry may allow him to avoid a difficult state election in September, where the CDU fears losses.
Linnemann has already spoken out several times on health policy and called for a drastic reduction in statutory health insurance funds from the current 90 to ten. Whether he will pursue this position as minister remains open.
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
