CDU & cabinet reshuffle after Spahn scandal

Jens Spahn stepped down as head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group after revelations that he and his husband had a child through surrogacy in the United States, a practice illegal in Germany and at odds with the party’s platform. The resignation triggered an urgent re‑organisation of party leadership. On 21 July, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and CSU chairman Markus Söder nominated chancellor’s chief of staff Thorsten Frei to become the new CDU/CSU faction leader, with a party vote scheduled for 29 July. Two days later the party announced that Bundestag member and federal treasurer Franziska Hoppermann would be prepared to take over as General Secretary, succeeding Carsten Linnemann. On 23 July Merz extended the overhaul to the cabinet. Nina Warken was named head of the chancellor’s office, Carsten Linnemann was moved to the health ministry, and Philipp Amthor was appointed federal‑state affairs commissioner. Thorsten Frei’s transition to parliamentary group leadership was confirmed, and Franziska Hoppermann was formally installed as the new CDU secretary‑general. On 25 July the CDU/CSU parliamentary group convened in the Bundestag plenary chamber because its regular meeting room was under renovation. In a confidential ballot, the faction elected former chief of staff Thorsten Frei as its leader, with over half of the 208 MPs travelling at personal expense to secure a strong mandate ahead of upcoming legislative sessions. On 29 July Merz completed the cabinet reshuffle, swearing in three new ministers. A three‑hour special Union‑faction meeting followed, during which vice‑chairs Günter Krings and Mathias Middelberg voiced frustration over the communication of personnel decisions and raised concerns about a possible misuse of a special fund. Merz acknowledged his own mistakes but expressed optimism that the new government would bring fresh impulse.