Germany appoints three new ministers in government reshuffle

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has formally appointed three new ministers from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) following a cabinet reshuffle in Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government.

Steinmeier presented the official appointment documents to Karsten Linnemann, who becomes health minister, Nina Warken, who will head the Chancellor's Office with ministerial rank, and Steffen Bilger, the new transport minister, Caliber.Az reports, citing Spiegel.

The three ministers are expected to assume their duties later in the day. However, due to the Bundestag's summer recess, they will not take the oath of office until September.

During the ceremony, Steinmeier also thanked former Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder for his service. The president said Schnieder had faced the "Herculean task" of modernising Germany's transport infrastructure, particularly the repair of deteriorating bridges, roads, and highways, emphasising that such work requires time and perseverance.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov