He is expected to be the only one from the current coalition government led by the German Social Democrats to remain in his role after the change of government. On Tuesday, the Christian Democratic leader Friedrich Merz from CDU/CSU will formally take over the role of Federal Chancellor.
Social Democratic Pistorius has been sitting as Defense Minister for two years. He has been tasked with building up Germany's long-underfinanced defense force, in the wake of increased geopolitical tensions following the Ukraine war.
He is known for his strong support for Ukraine and is generally seen as one of Germany's most popular politicians.
CDU/CSU became the largest party in the country's new election in February, but not large enough to gain its own majority, and was thus forced into coalition negotiations.
The agreement on a coalition between the German Christian Democrats CDU/CSU and the Social Democrats SPD was presented a couple of weeks after the vote.
