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.
A new artificial intelligence data centre in Armenia could be used for Western intelligence purposes, including against Russia, according to Russia...
Syria is carefully considering providing...
Scientists, astronauts and space industry leaders gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday for the fourth day of the 77th International ...
Russia struck Ukraine overnight in one of the biggest attacks of the conflict, killing at least 19 people, Kyiv's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Around 70 missiles were fired at Ukraine during the attack, as well as drones, the Ministry said.
The Saudi-led coalition says it has carried out a series of military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen after attacks on two Saudi airports left three people dead and dozens injured.
Azerbaijan and the five Central Asian states have signed two key documents at the 8th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in Turkmenbashi, formalising a broader framework for regional cooperation in transport, trade, energy, digitalisation and security.
An investigation into August Hanning, the former head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), has no connection to Azerbaijan, informed sources have told AnewZ.
It started with classrooms. Too many students, not enough teachers, deteriorating buildings and growing anxiety over what comes after high school. But within weeks, a movement that began outside French lycées had spread across the country.
A new artificial intelligence data centre in Armenia could be used for Western intelligence purposes, including against Russia, according to Russia's Security Council.
Scientists, astronauts and space industry leaders gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday for the fourth day of the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC). Designated as “Science and Academy Day,” discussions focused on the challenges of expanding human activities beyond Earth.
Spanish politicians traded blame on Thursday after the death of an 87-year-old woman who was evicted from her Madrid home exacerbated heated debates over housing ahead of an early election next month, as protests raged on across the country.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2026 will be announced on Friday, 9 October, bringing one of the world's most closely watched awards back into focus.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday 8 October, that Yerevan will discuss the possible construction of railway connections with the Turkish city of Kars and the Azerbaijani city of Nakhchivan with Russian officials next week, according to local media.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment