Merz reshuffles German government after Spahn resignation over surrogacy scandal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced a major government reshuffle triggered by the resignation of Jens Spahn, leader of the conservative parliamentary group, after it emerged he became a father via surrogacy in the United States — a practice he had publicly condemned and which is illegal in Germany Source: La Vanguardia.

The Resignation

Spahn stepped down after revelations that he and his husband used a surrogate mother in the US, contradicting his own parliamentary stance against surrogacy Source: ABC. This opened the door for Merz to consolidate control over the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, which had been critical of his pension reforms Source: ABC.

The Reshuffle

Merz appointed Thorsten Frei, previously his chief of staff, to succeed Spahn as parliamentary group leader Source: Infobae. Frei's former post goes to Health Minister Nina Warken, making her the first woman to head the Federal Chancellery Source: Infobae. Health Minister Warken is replaced by Carsten Linnemann, the CDU's secretary-general Source: Infobae. Additionally, Philipp Amthor becomes minister for federal-state relations Source: Infobae. Merz signaled more changes to come after the summer recess Source: Infobae.

The reshuffle aims to revive Merz's flagging popularity — only 14% approval Source: La Vanguardia — and prepare for regional elections where the far-right AfD could win its first state governor . Key challenges ahead include budget negotiations, railway infrastructure, and defense spending .