Carsten Linnemann, the current General Secretary of the CDU, is expected to be appointed as the Minister of Health next Wednesday. Our editorial team learned this from government circles on Friday.
The Federal President is anticipated to present the discharge and inauguration certificates on that day. However, it was unclear on Friday morning whether the Bundestag would convene for a special session. Normally, a newly appointed minister takes the oath of office immediately in the plenary session following the presidential appointment before officially assuming duties. According to government sources, this time the process is expected to be handled “differently” to avoid the costs associated with a special session.
So far, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has only confirmed ministerial changes regarding the Health Ministry, stating that Nina Warken will leave the post to become Minister of the Federal Chancellery, and that Carsten Linnemann will succeed her at the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).
Although the Chancellor mentioned further cabinet reshuffles on Friday, media reports suggesting that Patrick Schnieder would be replaced as Minister of Transport by Fritz Güntzler (both CDU) were not confirmed. During a press conference that morning, journalists were not allowed to ask any questions.
