World

Spahn Resigns from CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group Presidency, Successor Vote Set for July 29

Herz — World Desk · 22 July 2026 at 05:43 · 30s summary · 3 min read

The essentials

Jens Spahn has resigned from the presidency of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group at the Bundestag, which unites 208 deputies from Germany's two conservative parties. An extraordinary session is scheduled for July 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. to elect his successor, jointly proposed by Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder. Thorsten Frei, head of the Federal Chancellery, is the clear favorite. A potential cabinet reshuffle would not be finalized until September 2026, according to Handelsblatt.

Spahn resigns from CDU/CSU parliamentary group presidency (208 deputies) at Bundestag
Extraordinary session scheduled for July 29, 2026 to elect successor
Thorsten Frei, head of Federal Chancellery, is the clear favorite
Three government reshuffle scenarios considered, middle option most probable
Merz says he doesn't know Spahn's future political intentions since resignation

Illustration image — Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

What We Know

Jens Spahn has resigned from the presidency of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group at the Bundestag, the joint parliamentary group of 208 deputies from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU, present in all German states except Bavaria) and the Christian Social Union (CSU, present only in Bavaria).

Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Markus Söder (CSU) jointly announced on July 20, 2026 the convening of an extraordinary session of the parliamentary group for July 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. to elect a new chairman or chairwoman.

At a press conference at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin on July 21, 2026, Merz initially promised to submit a candidate proposal "quickly", before contradicting himself.

We will also take a bit more time.
— Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor, Federal Chancellery, July 21, 2026

Merz stated he does not know Spahn's political and professional intentions since his resignation. He offered him a meeting if desired, while declining to offer advice.

Steffen Bilger, parliamentary director of the CDU/CSU group, expressed hope that Spahn remains in politics and within the group.

The Candidates

Thorsten Frei, head of the Federal Chancellery, is presented as the clear favorite to take over the CDU/CSU parliamentary group presidency.

Three other CDU names are also mentioned: Nina Warken, federal minister of health; Carsten Linnemann, CDU secretary general; and Günter Krings, vice president of the parliamentary group.

Alexander Dobrindt, federal minister of the interior and CSU member, is considered virtually excluded. By tradition, the CSU has never held the presidency of the joint CDU/CSU parliamentary group.

Timeline

July 20, 2026
Merz and Söder jointly announce the extraordinary session to elect Spahn's successor.
July 21, 2026
Merz holds press conference at the Federal Chancellery with contradictory statements on the timing of candidate selection.
Closed-door working meeting of the Bavarian CSU delegation at Banz monastery in Franconia.