Overview
- Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius announced that CDU federal executive Philipp Birkenmaier will assume leadership of the chancellor’s office and oversee Friedrich Merz’s daily schedule.
- Jacob Schrot leaves the post by mutual agreement after four years working with Merz in the parliamentary group and the Chancellery, saying he will pursue new professional opportunities.
- Merz publicly thanked Schrot for his role in launching the new government and highlighted his key contribution to establishing the National Security Council.
- Foreign‑policy adviser Günter Sautter will initially oversee the National Security Council’s operations following Schrot’s departure, ensuring continuity of the new body.
- Birkenmaier brings experience from prior service in the Chancellery (2007–2012), the CDU/CSU parliamentary Mittelstand group, and the Economics Ministry, with reporting indicating the change aims to bolster economic and domestic-policy strength and party links.