Friedrich Merz (CDU) is pushing ahead with the reorganization of his cabinet. At a press conference, he announced that Minister Warken will become the new head of the Chancellery. Her post will be taken over by former CDU General Secretary Linnemann. Further personnel changes are to follow, Merz left open.
Next steps: special session of the parliamentary group and swearing-in
Next Monday, according to information from the German Press Agency, Merz intends to announce his proposal for Linnemann’s successor as CDU General Secretary. The candidate is said to be Franziska Hoppermann, currently the party’s federal treasurer. A special session of the Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag is planned for Wednesday to elect the current Chancellery chief Thorsten Frei (CDU) as the new parliamentary group leader. Prior to that, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier must hand over dismissal certificates to Frei and Warken – both hold ministerial rank – and then issue appointment certificates for the new posts.
The swearing-in of the new ministers is not to take place immediately, in order to avoid a costly special session of the Bundestag during the summer recess. According to the federal government’s interpretation, it is sufficient if the swearing-in is made up at the next regular parliamentary session in early September. Until then, the ministers are fully capable of performing their duties.
Source: www.zdfheute.de
