World
Germany: failed reshuffle, CDU lawmaker accuses Merz of arbitrary decisions
In Germany, a ministerial reshuffle announced by Chancellor Friedrich Merz failed on July 25, 2026. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder had been informed of his dismissal the previous afternoon, but the press conference scheduled to confirm it did not mention his replacement. The presumed successor, CDU financial expert Fritz Güntzler, withdrew on the morning of the conference, citing "professional reasons." Within the CDU, a party leader accuses Merz of arbitrary actions and the episode is described internally as a "chainsaw massacre."