Overview
- A government spokeswoman told Reuters that the chancellor is not weighing a personnel reshuffle and that a cabinet reorganization is not planned.
- Der Spiegel had reported tensions between Merz and parliamentary-group leader Jens Spahn and floated a broader reshuffle scenario.
- The report speculated that Spahn could be shifted to a ministerial post, potentially replacing Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, to enforce cabinet discipline.
- Names cited in the speculative lineup included Thorsten Frei as a possible successor to lead the Bundestag group and Günter Krings to replace Frei.
- The magazine also suggested any moves could come after state elections and a May faction vote, while questioning whether Merz had the political capital to proceed.