Merz’s German Cabinet Starts to Take Shape: Possible Key Members

CSU Chairman Markus Soeder, CDU Chairman Friedrich Merz, SPD Co-leader Lars Klingbeil, and SPD Co-leader Saskia Esken, from left, in Berlin on March 28.
Photographer: Michael Kappeler/picture alliance/Getty Images

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By Kamil Kowalcze, Michael Nienaber, and Arne Delfs

April 9, 2025 at 4:00 AM UTC

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Friedrich Merz’s conservatives and the Social Democrats appear close to a coalition agreement to form Germany’s next government, with an announcement possibly coming later on Wednesday, paving the way for Merz to take over as chancellor.

Germany isn’t much different to many other democracies when it comes to cabinet appointments: It’s not always about who is the best candidate and internal party factions and regional representation are important factors.