Overview

• Friedrich Merz has confirmed Katherina Reiche as Federal Minister for Economic Affairs in his incoming cabinet, marking her return to high political office after a decade in the corporate sector.
• Reiche's past comments opposing same-sex families have drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including the LSVD, which demands a public repudiation of her earlier statements.
• Lobbycontrol has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, citing Reiche's previous leadership roles in the energy sector and her ties to the Verband kommunaler Unternehmen (VKU).
• Supporters, including the VKU, have welcomed her appointment, emphasizing her experience in energy policy and her pragmatic approach to Germany's energy transition challenges.
• Reiche has not yet addressed the criticism publicly, as civil society groups and political opponents call for assurances of inclusivity and independence in her new role.