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World
Germany: failed reshuffle, CDU lawmaker accuses Merz of arbitrary decisions
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
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."
- Merz informed Schnieder of his dismissal only the previous afternoon
- Presumed successor Güntzler withdrew on the morning of the press conference
- Merz ultimately did not publicly announce Schnieder's replacement
- Within the CDU, the episode is called a 'chainsaw massacre'
- A CDU lawmaker accuses the chancellor of running government like a 'feudal kingdom'
What we know
A ministerial reshuffle announced within the German government failed on July 25, 2026, according to Handelsblatt. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had planned to replace Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, but the maneuver did not succeed.
Schnieder had sent a farewell SMS to Bundestag deputies. In it, he indicated that Merz had informed him "the previous afternoon" of his dismissal and that a press conference was scheduled for the following day at 9:00 a.m. to formalize it.
At that press conference, Merz did not mention Schnieder's replacement, causing the announced reshuffle to fall through.
A successor who withdraws at the last moment
Fritz Güntzler, a CDU financial expert considered as potential replacement to head the Transport Ministry, had accepted on Thursday evening. He backed out on Friday morning, citing "professional reasons."
Timeline
- July 24, 2026, late afternoonMerz informs Schnieder of his dismissal. Güntzler accepts to succeed him at the Transport Ministry.
- July 25, 2026, morningGüntzler withdraws, citing "professional reasons."
- July 25, 2026, 9:00 a.m.Press conference: Merz does not mention Schnieder's replacement. The reshuffle is aborted.
Internal CDU criticism
Christian Bäumler, a CDU leader, told Handelsblatt that Schnieder's dismissal "gives the impression of arbitrariness." He stated that the government should not be run "like a feudal kingdom."
Internally, the sequence is referred to as "Kettensägen-Massaker" — literally a "chainsaw massacre" — reflecting a loss of confidence within the party regarding Merz's leadership style.
Quotes
gives the impression of arbitrariness
— Christian Bäumler (CDU), regarding Schnieder's dismissal, to Handelsblatt, July 25, 2026
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