Germany's next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, on Monday announced his first major cabinet nominations. He selected energy executive Katherina Reiche as the likely economy minister and close ally Johann Wadephul, a foreign policy expert, as foreign minister.
Merz’s CDU/CSU conservatives, who won the February elections, recently finalized a coalition agreement with the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) as they prepare to tackle international challenges and revive Europe's biggest economy. Their focus includes boosting growth amid a looming recession risk triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's global trade policies and strengthening Germany’s defense posture within NATO.
Merz aims for his government to be more unified and decisive than the previous SPD-led coalition, which collapsed last November due to internal conflict. Even before officially taking office, Merz and the SPD secured a major fiscal stimulus package to boost spending on infrastructure and defense.
Under the coalition deal, Merz’s CDU will control the economy and foreign ministries, the CSU will lead the interior ministry, and the SPD will oversee defense and finance.
Boris Pistorius is likely to stay on as defense minister, while SPD leader Lars Klingbeil is the favorite for the finance ministry role.
Economic Priorities
The coalition plans to cut taxes for middle- and lower-income groups, reduce corporate taxes, lower energy costs, support the electric vehicle sector, and eliminate a controversial supply chain law. It also promises tougher immigration policies and stronger support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Katherina Reiche, the CEO of Westenergie and former head of Germany’s VKU local utilities association, is praised for her deep industry knowledge. She replaces Robert Habeck of the Greens, who faced criticism for lacking economic expertise during his tenure.
Johann Wadephul, a Bundestag member since 2009 and deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction on foreign affairs and defense, will succeed Annalena Baerbock as foreign minister. Analysts believe Wadephul’s close ties to Merz will bring a more consistent and stronger German foreign policy, especially regarding the U.S., China, and Russia.
New Digitalization Ministry
Recognizing the urgent need to modernize Germany’s digital infrastructure, Merz’s coalition has created a new Ministry for Digitalization, to be led by Karsten Wildberger, CEO of Ceconomy AG and former executive at E.ON, Telstra, and Vodafone. This move was hailed by digital industry leaders as a major step forward.
Additionally, Alexander Dobrindt from the CSU will take over the interior ministry, signaling a tougher stance on migration, as the coalition seeks to counter the growing popularity of the far-right AfD.
The SPD will announce its ministers after its members vote to approve the coalition deal, with results expected on Wednesday. Merz is set to be sworn in as chancellor on May 6.
The United States and Iran have traded fresh strikes, with the U.S. hitting military sites and Iran launching missiles and drones at bases and ship...
A London court has handed down lengthy sentences to activists from campaign group Palestine Action, who raided an Israeli-owned arms company in the U...
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, has lost her London social housing flat after a UK council seized it. ...
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 tril...
Iran said no final decision has been made on a proposed agreement with Washington, despite suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump that a deal co...
Legions of security officers and police are being deployed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as organisers prepare for what officials describe as an unprecedented security challenge to protect fans, players and venues across North America.
The ambassadors of France, Germany and Britain have attended a meeting at Russia’s Foreign Ministry, raising questions about a possible ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, or at least the resumption of peace talks.
Türkiye’s president-designate for this autumn’s UN climate conference on Tuesday signed the COP31 host country agreement during a gathering in Bonn, Germany.
Germany has failed to secure a rotating seat on the United Nations Security Council, ending decades of successful bids and prompting fresh debate about the country's diplomatic standing on the global stage.
Mexico and South Africa meet in Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City, with both teams approaching the match from very different positions but facing their own pressures.
SpaceX has made history with the largest initial public offering ever in the United States, pricing its shares at $135 each and achieving a market valuation of $1.77 trillion.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
While France hosts next week’s Group of Seven summit, businesses in neighbouring Switzerland have already begun taking precautions, with many shops in Geneva boarded up ahead of a large anti-G7 demonstration expected on Sunday.
Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly’s Monaco Grand Prix podium has been reinstated after Alpine successfully challenged his post-race penalties through a Right of Review request with the FIA.
A London court has handed down lengthy sentences to activists from campaign group Palestine Action, who raided an Israeli-owned arms company in the UK.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio, has lost her London social housing flat after a UK council seized it.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Ukraine will increase military wages and expand recruitment of foreign volunteers, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday, as the armed forces face a critical personnel shortage after more than four years of war with Russia.
Poland will receive a new $4 billion loan from the United States through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, strengthening defence ties between the two NATO allies as Warsaw continues a major military modernisation drive.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment