Johann Wadephul, a long-standing CDU member in the German Bundestag, will become Foreign Minister if and when a government formation takes place. This is announced by the Christian Democratic party, which is announcing several intended ministers while waiting for a final go-ahead for the shift in power.
The Christian Democratic CDU/CSU has not had a Foreign Minister since 1966, despite being a long-standing German power party, notes Süddeutsche Zeitung. The post has usually gone to a smaller governing partner in the coalitions formed, but it does not seem to be the case this time.
Replacing the Greens
The 62-year-old Wadephul comes from the Denmark-near areas in Schleswig-Holstein in the north and has been sitting in the Bundestag since 2009. During the recent conflicts in the world, he has advocated for greater military support to Ukraine and strongly expressed support for continued military exports to Israel.
Wadephul takes over after Annalena Baerbock from the Green party, a party shift that occurs on several posts. Katherina Reiche is proposed as the new Minister of Industry and Energy, after the Green Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck. Reiche was previously a Bundestag member and active in smaller roles in Angela Merkel's governments, but has worked in the private sector for a longer period.
Karsten Wildberger, CEO of the large conglomerate that owns the electronics giant Mediamarkt, is proposed as the new Digitalization Minister.
To be Voted On
The government formation between CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic SPD is delayed, as SPD party members are to vote on the matter. If they give their approval, CDU leader Friedrich Merz is expected to become Germany's Federal Chancellor next week.
The Social Democrats are to appoint seven ministers – including the Finance Minister, Defense Minister, and Justice Minister, according to plan.
