The article examines the personnel changes within the German government and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It focuses on how Merz is using changes in key leadership positions to strengthen his political control over the government and parliamentary group. Particular attention is given to Jens Spahn’s departure as chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and the appointment of Thorsten Frei as his successor. The article also examines Nina Warken’s appointment as head of the Federal Chancellery, Philipp Amthor’s new role as Federal Council coordinator, and CDU Secretary-General Carsten Linnemann’s move into the federal government. These changes are interpreted as part of a deliberate strategy by Merz to rely more heavily on trusted political allies and loyalty.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie on the Merz cabinet reshuffle Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie on the Merz cabinet reshuffle
On July 27, 2026, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie published an article in TRT World on the reshaping of the German government and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The article examines Merz’s personnel decisions as an expression of his leadership style and considers the political risks and potential consequences of the “Merz reshuffle.”
Die große Merz-Rochade: Wer nicht ins System passt, muss gehen
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You can find the article here.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schlie is Director of the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS).