Overview

• Katherina Reiche was formally announced as the Federal Economics Minister in Germany's new Schwarz-Rote coalition on April 28, 2025.
• Later the same day, lawyer Christian Schertz confirmed the long-speculated romantic relationship between Reiche and former Federal Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.
• Both Reiche and Guttenberg have previously held significant political roles, with Reiche recently returning to politics after leading an energy firm, and Guttenberg stepping away in 2011 following a plagiarism scandal.
• The confirmation follows earlier public separations from their respective spouses—Reiche from Sven Petke and Guttenberg from Stephanie zu Guttenberg in 2023.
• Their lawyer emphasized that no further details will be shared and called for respect for the privacy of all families involved.