CDU/CSU cabinet list: These are the new ministers

A politically experienced expert from the energy industry, well-known federal politicians, and specialist expertise from the federal states: just over a week before Friedrich Merz 's planned election as chancellor, it's clear who will lead what within the CDU/CSU. CDU chairman and CSU leader Markus Söder have presented their chosen ministers for a future coalition government to their respective party leaderships. Alongside several familiar faces, there are also a few surprises. With this team, Merz aims to get Germany back on track after the failed traffic light coalition of the SPD , the Greens, and the FDP .

During the traffic light coalition years, the 51-year-old, as manager of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group , became one of Merz 's most important confidants. He is considered a meticulous worker and well-versed in virtually all important political issues. The eloquent lawyer has been a member of the Bundestag since 2013 and is a sought-after guest on talk shows. In the Chancellery, Frei will be responsible for clearing pitfalls for his boss, ensuring the smooth running of the government, and maintaining contact with the states. Critics complain that the married father of three children lacks government experience. Frei learned the political trade in his home country: from 2002 to 2004 he was a government councilor in the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg , and from 2004 to 2013 he was Lord Mayor of Donaueschingen .

It had seemed for some time as if the 62-year-old was warming up to succeed Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens). He recently visited the foreign ministers of France, Poland and their counterparts from Italy and Great Britain . With the Husum native and married father of three children, the CDU has a foreign minister for the first time in almost 60 years. The lawyer and former soldier has been a member of the Bundestag since 2009 and is considered a confidant of Merz . Merz is likely hoping to be able to pursue foreign policy in harmony with Wadephul - unlike in the traffic light coalition, where Baerbock liked to distance himself from Chancellor Olaf Scholz ( SPD ) by pursuing an independent course. Privately, the Schleswig-Holstein native describes himself as a family man - he married his school friend.