Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced significant changes in the Federal Government. As part of these changes, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken was appointed Head of the Chancellery. CDU Secretary-General Carsten Linnemann was appointed in Warken's place.

These changes were finalized following the decision to appoint Federal Minister for Special Affairs Thorsten Frei in place of the resigning CDU/CSU Federal Parliamentary Group Leader Jens Spahn.

At a press conference held this morning, Merz emphasized that Nina Warken, who is also the Chairwoman of the CDU Women's Union, is the "first female Head of the Chancellery". Merz stated about Warken: "Nina Warken, with whom I have cooperated in the same party for a long time, will be my greatest supporter."

It was also noted that Philipp Amthor, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, will assume the role of State Minister for Federal-State Relations at the Chancellery.

Thorsten Frei is widely expected to be elected CDU/CSU Federal Parliamentary Group Leader at an extraordinary session next Wednesday. Furthermore, CDU Treasurer Franziska Hoppermann is expected to become the party's Secretary-General.