It appears that Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is taking a longer vacation than initially reported. A federal cabinet meeting was postponed this week, but one is expected to take place next week, though Merz will not be present for it.
Deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille informed the dts news agency in Berlin on Wednesday that the session scheduled for August 12 will likely be led by Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil (SPD). Among the topics planned for discussion is the Bafög reform, which was originally scheduled to be approved by the cabinet in July.
Details regarding Merz’s location and the duration of his absence remain unclear. His last public outing was on July 29, following the dismissal and appointment of ministers and a special session of the Union parliamentary group. The Federal Press Office stated that the Chancellor was “trying to relax for a few days,” while emphasizing that he is “naturally always on duty.” Hille added, “He is available and reachable at all times. Therefore, we cannot name an exact end date for this period.”
