IMAGO
But still elected Chancellor. Who’s in the new government?
On the second attempt, Friedrich Merz was finally elected Chancellor by the Bundestag. However, the morning of May 6 did not go smoothly for the candidate. He had anticipated resolving all formalities related to his appointment quickly, but the ambitious and easily offended politician faced an embarrassing setback. Instead of the required 316 votes, he received only 310. Notably, this was the first time in German history that a coalition with a majority delivered such a snub.
Now, for some intriguing arithmetic: The German parliament has 630 seats. Representatives of the «GroKo» coalition (conservatives and social democrats combined) hold 328 seats. Nothing could have suggested a greater blow to Merz’s pride. Nevertheless, he received a «black mark», and detractors should be sought among his conservative CDU/CSU bloc. After the shocking vote, the Social Democrats, colloquially known in Germany as «Comrades», reported that all of their members were present and voted unanimously as agreed.
The Basic Law stipulates a maximum period of 14 days for scheduling a repeat vote. However, an enraged Merz demanded an immediate revote. Members reconvened in their respective factions. After consultations, they again filled out ballots at 4:00 p.m. the same day. This time, the outcome was favorable with 325 votes. On the second try, Merz secured his goal.
After catching his breath, the new head of the Berlin cabinet announced the composition of the new government. Here are some notable appointments:
Johann Wadephul, a 62-year-old from the «Blacks» (the CDU/CSU party color), took the position of Foreign Minister. Wadephul is known as a hawk who previously advocated allowing Kiev to use German weapons against targets in Russia.
«Neither international law nor politics justify why Ukraine shouldn’t be allowed to attack targets in Russia», stated Wadephul, a former member of the Petersburg Dialogue board before its closure.
Considered a close friend and confidant of Merz, Johann accompanied him on his trip to Kiev last year. Prior to this appointment, he served on the Bundestag’s Foreign Policy and Defense Committee.
Katherina Reiche, a 51-year-old politician who returned to politics after a successful career in prominent commercial enterprises, leads the Ministry of Economy. She was CEO of Westenergie, a subsidiary of the European energy giant E.ON, from early 2020 until her appointment.
Alexander Dobrindt, 54, was entrusted with the Ministry of the Interior. He previously led the CSU state group in the Bundestag and served as Minister of Transport during Angela Merkel’s third term.
The SPD received nine ministerial and state ministerial positions, including key portfolios such as finance, defense, and justice.
SPD co-chair Lars Klingbeil, who is 47 years old, secured the posts of Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister. His fellow SPD leader, Saskia Esken, received no position, making Klingbeil the new de facto leader of the Social Democrats.
Of the previous team, only 65-year-old Boris Pistorius kept his position as Defense Minister. He is currently considered Germany’s most popular politician.
Stefanie Hubig, 56, was appointed Justice Minister and will also be responsible for consumer rights protection.
Interestingly, two women born in Russia received high-profile appointments. Reem Alabali-Radovan, who was born in Moscow in 1990 to Iraqi students, now heads the Ministry for Economic Development. She moved to Germany as a refugee at age six. Natalie Pawlik was born in the Tyumen region in 1992 to a Russian-German family. She immigrated to Germany as a late resettler at six. She was appointed State Minister within the Chancellor’s office, where she has broad responsibilities in migration policy.
The Chancellor’s wife, Charlotte Merz (née Gaß), should also be mentioned. She remains relatively unknown to the public. She announced that she does not plan to move to Berlin, but rather, she intends to continue living in Arnsberg, a picturesque town in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia. There, she plans to continue serving as a judge and head of the local court. «I want to commute to work every morning, as usual». The Merz couple has an adult son, two daughters, and seven grandchildren.
Charlotte values her independence and professional success. She maintains an equal relationship with her husband, who is five years her senior, and openly expresses her thoughts.
Thus, 69-year-old Merz will essentially lead a bachelor’s life in the German capital, occasionally visiting Sauerland, where he enjoys cycling with his wife. His Berlin family, it seems, will now be his work and cabinet colleagues, among whom the Social Democrats have notably delegated six women.