Merz himself took to X to welcome Frei: “Dear Thorsten, our parliamentary group is gaining an experienced and responsible leader in you. Congratulations on your convincing election. I look forward to continuing our successful work together for the Union and for our country!”
Speaking at a press conference following the meeting of conservative MPs, Merz explained: “My impression is that the parliamentary group understood and accepted the rationale behind [my personnel decisions] … I am very confident that this parliamentary group meeting will provide fresh momentum, new energy and renewed determination for all of us to govern this country well and lead it toward a successful future.”
He also confirmed he was not planning any further changes other than those previously announced. Merz is still looking for a new state minister of sport in the Chancellery.
Söder, meanwhile, stated: “There was no reason for any changes on the CSU side. On the contrary, we are very satisfied with our team.”
The new ministers have formally taken office but must still be sworn in by the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament. Officials decided to postpone the oaths until September, when the parliament holds its first session after the summer recess, to avoid recalling lawmakers from their summer breaks, fearing the added costs could spark public criticism ahead of crucial regional elections.
Maximilian Stascheit contributed to this report from Berlin.
This article has been updated.
