BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made significant changes to his government’s top positions on Friday, as his administration works to improve its standing with voters ahead of regional elections where the far-right could claim its first state governor.
Merz came to power less than 15 months ago promising to revive and reform Germany’s economy — the largest in Europe — after a prolonged period of stagnation. However, that economic recovery has been slow to materialize. His coalition, which brings together his center-right Union bloc and the center-left Social Democrats — two parties that have long been political rivals — has struggled to convince the public it can deliver on its promises.
The result has been a sharp decline in Merz’s approval ratings, while the far-right Alternative for Germany party, known as AfD, has taken advantage of broad public frustration to grow its support.
The cabinet shake-up was triggered after a senior ally stepped down as leader of the party’s parliamentary group following personal conduct issues that damaged his credibility. Merz announced plans to fill that vacancy with his chief of staff, Thorsten Frei.
To replace Frei at the chancellery — a position considered critical to keeping the government running smoothly — Merz said Health Minister Nina Warken would step into the role. Meanwhile, Carsten Linnemann, a close ally who currently serves as the general secretary of Merz’s party, is set to take over as health minister.
The chancellor indicated that additional personnel changes are on the way, though he did not provide specifics about what those changes might involve.
