World
Germany: Friedrich Merz’s Cabinet Reshuffle Weakens His Chancellorship
Germany’s federal government is facing its most serious crisis since taking office, according to Die Zeit. Jens Spahn resigned as leader of the Union parliamentary group after it became public that he had had a child through surrogacy, forcing Chancellor Friedrich Merz to reshuffle his cabinet. Outgoing ministers received their dismissal certificates in Berlin on July 29, 2026. Merz’s handling of the reshuffle has raised doubts about his future as chancellor, including within his own party. The crisis comes before regional elections in eastern Germany, including Saxony-Anhalt’s vote on August 30, 2026.