Friedrich Merz says "maintain the course" on reform agenda after cabinet reshuffle

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reshuffled key cabinet and parliamentary posts on Friday, moving to revive his deeply unpopular coalition government ahead of three regional elections in September, where the far-right AfD could win its first state governor. The reshuffle followed a senior ally’s resignation over personal conduct involving surrogacy. Merz appointed his chief of staff to lead the parliamentary group, made the health minister the first woman to serve as chancellery chief, and named a party general secretary as the new health minister. Commenting on that health appointment, Merz said the government must stay committed to its reform agenda. The slow economic turnaround and coalition infighting have eroded public confidence, while the AfD has gained support from widespread discontent.