On May 6, 2025, Friedrich Merz was elected as the new Chancellor of Germany during a tense second round of voting in the Bundestag, after an unexpected failure in the first round. With 325 votes in favor, Merz secured nine more than the required majority of 316, allowing him to take the helm of the new black-red coalition government formed by the CDU/CSU and SPD.
Following his election, the newly appointed federal ministers were sworn in, marking the official start of the government’s work. The cabinet comprises ten men and eight women, with an average age of 53.1 years, slightly older than its predecessor, the Ampel coalition, which had an average age of 50.4 years. This new government features a slightly lower proportion of women compared to the previous cabinet led by Olaf Scholz.
In a notable appointment, Karsten Wildberger, a top manager, has been named the Minister for Digital Affairs, a role that reflects the government's commitment to advancing digital transformation in Germany. Meanwhile, Lars Klingbeil, the former leader of the SPD, has taken on the dual role of Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance, a position regarded as the second most powerful in the cabinet.
"I thank you for your trust, and I accept the election," Merz stated to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner after his victory, signaling his readiness to lead the nation. His rise to the chancellorship comes after a turbulent political landscape marked by coalition negotiations and a historic first, where a designated Chancellor failed to secure enough votes in the initial round.
The new cabinet includes several familiar faces, such as Boris Pistorius, who continues as Minister of Defense, and Bärbel Bas, who has been appointed Minister of Labor and Social Affairs after serving as the President of the Bundestag. Other notable appointments include Stefanie Hubig as Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection, and Karin Prien, who takes charge of the newly structured Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth.
In a move to streamline the government, the Merz administration has decided to cut the number of government representatives and coordinators by 25, aiming for a more efficient operation. This includes abolishing several specialized posts, such as the Special Representative for International Climate Policy and the Special Envoy for Migration Agreements, reflecting a shift in focus for the new government.
As the new government convenes for its first meeting, Merz has also brought a touch of personal flair to the proceedings, reportedly arriving with a ten-liter barrel of Pils beer from his home in the Sauerland. This gesture, intended for a rustic dinner with his ministers, underscores a more informal approach that Merz hopes to foster within his cabinet.
With the new government now in place, discussions are set to begin on key issues, including immigration control and climate policy, as the cabinet members prepare to fulfill their roles. Alexander Dobrindt, the new Interior Minister, has already expressed his commitment to enhancing security and reducing irregular migration through increased police presence at Germany's borders.
As the cabinet settles into its routine, the dynamics of the coalition will be closely watched. The CDU and SPD factions together hold a substantial majority in parliament, but the coalition's ability to navigate differing priorities and policies will be crucial for its longevity and effectiveness.
In summary, the formation of the Merz cabinet marks a significant shift in German politics, with a blend of experienced leaders and fresh faces. The challenges ahead are considerable, but with a clear mandate from the Bundestag, the new government is poised to tackle pressing issues facing the nation.
