In a significant shift in Germany's political landscape, Stefan Kornelius, a seasoned journalist from the Süddeutsche Zeitung, has been appointed as the new government spokesman for the upcoming administration led by Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz. Kornelius, who has been with the Süddeutsche Zeitung for over three decades, will take over the role after Merz's expected election on May 6, 2025, replacing the current spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, who has served under Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Kornelius, 59, has been a prominent figure in political journalism, heading the political department of the Süddeutsche Zeitung since 2021. Before that, he was responsible for foreign policy coverage for over two decades. His extensive career includes stints in the newspaper's Bonn office, where he reported on the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and as a correspondent in Washington during the presidency of Bill Clinton. Kornelius is also a co-founder of the Medium Magazin, a publication focused on journalism.
In a statement, the Süddeutsche Zeitung announced, "Stefan Kornelius, long-time head of the political department of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, will take over the office of government spokesman." This appointment is part of Merz's broader strategy to assemble a team that can effectively communicate the government's agenda and policies.
As government spokesman, Kornelius will lead a team of three spokespeople, with two deputies appointed by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Social Union (CSU). The CSU has indicated that they will nominate Sebastian Hille, the current spokesperson for the CSU regional group in the Bundestag, as one of the deputy government spokespeople. The SPD's nominee has yet to be revealed.
The role of the government spokesman is crucial as it involves managing the communication of the federal government, accompanying the Chancellor on domestic and international engagements, and leading press conferences. Kornelius's experience and reputation in journalism are expected to enhance the government's public relations efforts.
Meanwhile, the political scene is buzzing as the SPD continues to vote on the coalition agreement with the Union. With around 358,000 members eligible to vote, the deadline for the SPD's decision is set for 11:59 PM on April 30, 2025. The results of this vote will be pivotal, as a positive outcome is necessary for the coalition to proceed, allowing for the chancellorship election to take place on May 6.
Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become Chancellor, faces a tight majority in the Bundestag, with Union and SPD holding just 12 votes above the required threshold for his election. This narrow margin raises questions about potential dissent within the ranks, especially among Social Democrats who may be hesitant to support Merz.
Felix Banaszak, co-chair of the Green Party, expressed skepticism about whether the Greens would assist Merz in securing the necessary votes, citing a lack of engagement from the CDU leader in recent weeks. Banaszak remarked, "Merz has not shown a willingness to seek the support of the Greens, focusing instead on consolidating his conservative base, which is reflected in his cabinet selections. Therefore, I believe it is unlikely that the Greens will come to his aid."
In preparation for his chancellorship, Merz has filled key positions within the Chancellery, appointing experienced diplomats to strengthen foreign and European policy. Günter Sautter, previously the Political Director at the Foreign Office, will serve as Merz's foreign and security policy advisor. Michael Clauß, the former German ambassador to the EU, has been designated as the European policy advisor, while Jacob Schrot, Merz's former chief of staff, will lead a newly established National Security Council.
The SPD's confirmation of the coalition agreement is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the new government. Matthias Miersch, the SPD general secretary, confirmed that the necessary quorum of 20 percent of all members had been met, making the vote binding. Miersch is expected to announce the outcome of the vote on April 30 at the Willy-Brandt-Haus, the party's Berlin headquarters.
Amid these developments, the SPD is also preparing to unveil its cabinet members on May 5, just one day before the planned chancellorship election. This announcement is anticipated to clarify the party's role in the coalition and its approach to governance under Merz.
The political landscape in Germany is evolving rapidly, with the new government poised to tackle pressing issues, including economic challenges and foreign relations. Kornelius's appointment as government spokesman is part of a broader strategy to ensure effective communication and public engagement, which will be crucial for the new administration's success.
As the political climate shifts, all eyes will be on the SPD's vote outcome and the subsequent formation of the new government. With a focus on transparency and effective communication, Kornelius's role will be vital in shaping how the government interacts with the public and the media.
