Gitta Connemann: Reiche loses state secretary to the digital ministry

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reshuffled his cabinet, moving Parliamentary State Secretary Gitta Connemann from the Ministry of Economics to the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs. The move was announced during a virtual meeting of the CDU’s executive committee. Connemann, who previously served under Economics Minister Katherina Reiche, will take over the role vacated by Philipp Amthor, who has been appointed as a new state secretary in the Chancellery. Connemann's new position includes retaining her role as head of the influential Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Union, the business wing of the CDU. Her departure marks a shift in influence within the economics ministry, with Johannes Steiniger set to replace her in the current portfolio. The cabinet changes come amid broader restructuring efforts led by Merz following the resignation of CDU faction leader Jens Spahn in mid-July. The leadership transition has sparked discussions within the party, particularly regarding the replacement of Transportation Minister Patrick Schnieder. Schnieder, whose brother is the Premier of Rhineland-Palatinate, Gordon Schnieder, has been well-regarded both in his home region and within the parliamentary group. His successor is expected to be Steffen Bilger, currently serving as the First Parliamentary Chief of Staff. In addition to these moves, Merz has officially proposed Franziska Hoppermann as the new General Secretary of the CDU. Hoppermann, a Hamburg native, is set to succeed Carsten Linnemann, who has moved to become the Health Minister. This appointment follows expectations raised earlier this year and signals a continuation of leadership continuity within the party. Christian Schenderlein, formerly the State Secretary for Sports and Volunteering in the Chancellery, is reportedly being considered for the role of Parliamentary State Secretary in the Ministry of Health. This decision reflects Merz’s ongoing effort to realign ministerial responsibilities and personnel across key departments. The restructuring has already drawn mixed reactions within the CDU. While some members support the changes as necessary for maintaining political momentum, others have expressed concerns over the potential impact on policy coherence and internal unity. The selection of Thorsten Frei as the new leader of the parliamentary group is expected to be finalized during an extraordinary session of CDU and CSU MPs later this week. The changes underscore Merz’s commitment to consolidating control over the government apparatus, ensuring alignment with his vision for economic and digital transformation. With Connemann’s move to the digital sector, the focus on technological advancement appears to be gaining prominence within the coalition government. Meanwhile, the roles of several other ministers are undergoing review, indicating that further adjustments could follow in the coming weeks.