Germany’s conservatives, led by Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, unveiled their cabinet ministers on Monday, ahead of taking power next week. The announcement follows the CDU/CSU alliance’s victory in the February 23 general elections. Notably, Johann Wadephul, a 62-year-old former soldier and trained lawyer, has been appointed as Germany’s new foreign minister. Wadephul, a close ally of Merz, is expected to play a key role in shaping Berlin’s foreign policy, alongside other top officials, including the future defence minister, Boris Pistorius.
The CDU/CSU and the SPD of outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz have sealed a coalition deal, set to take effect on May 6. Senior CDU members were due to sign off on the coalition agreement on Monday, with SPD members following suit later in the week. The CDU and its Bavarian allies, the CSU, will hold 10 positions in the new government, while the SPD will manage seven, including the vice chancellorship and the finance ministry, which will be led by Lars Klingbeil.
Merz’s plans also include a tougher stance on immigration, with Alexander Dobrindt, the CSU’s parliamentary leader, appointed as the new interior minister. Dobrindt will oversee efforts to address irregular immigration, a key issue for the CDU following the rise of the anti-immigration party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Additionally, the coalition aims to establish a national security council within the chancellery to enhance coordination between foreign, defence, and development policies.
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Other notable appointments include Karsten Wildberger, who will head the new ministry for digitalisation and modernisation, and Dorothee Baer, who will lead the new space ministry. Women have gained more representation in the cabinet than initially expected, with Karin Prien, Nina Warken, and Christiane Schenderlein taking roles in education, health, and sport. The CSU’s Alois Rainer will also be appointed agriculture minister. The new government aims to tackle both domestic challenges and Germany’s international standing through a unified and pragmatic approach.
