German chancellor supports resignation of ally Jens Spahn UPDATED

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has described the resignation of Jens Spahn as head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag as “right and inevitable,” following a scandal surrounding surrogacy.

“Jens Spahn informed me that he is stepping down as chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag. This decision is right and was inevitable. Trust in politics is the highest value,” Merz wrote on X, thanking Spahn for his cooperation.

Merz said Spahn, a close political ally, had played a significant role in shaping the bloc’s direction and guiding its transition from opposition into government.

“In developing major reforms in recent weeks, Jens Spahn was an important pillar of the coalition. As chairman of the CDU, in agreement with the chairman of the CSU, I will put forward a proposal for a new parliamentary group leader. The procedure and timing will now be coordinated with the party and parliamentary leadership bodies,” Merz added.

Spahn had earlier announced his resignation amid controversy linked to a surrogacy-related scandal. According to sources close to the party leadership, Merz had urged him to step down.

Until a successor is elected, Alexander Hoffmann, head of the CSU’s regional group, will serve as acting leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction.

Spahn said his personal family happiness was “incompatible with holding political office.”

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CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, a close ally of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has announced his resignation from the post amid a political controversy linked to surrogacy, German broadcaster N-tv reported.

The broadcaster cited a letter in which Spahn informed the leaders of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU), Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder, of his decision to step down.

“I informed the chairmen of the CDU and CSU parties, Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder, that with this letter addressed to our parliamentary group I am resigning from the position of chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag,” Spahn wrote.

Sources close to the party leadership said Merz had urged Spahn to resign.

Until a new parliamentary group leader is elected, Alexander Hoffmann, head of the CSU state parliamentary group, will temporarily assume the role.

“Jens Spahn’s decision deserves the deepest respect,” Hoffmann said, adding that Spahn had led the CDU/CSU parliamentary group through difficult periods “and made a significant contribution to the success of this coalition.” He said the group remained capable of making decisions and continuing its work.

By Tamilla Hasanova