Germany’s incumbent Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who is an advocate of military aid to Ukraine, will remain in his post. The announcement was made public on 5 May along with other Social Democrats (SPD) nominations for positions in the coalition government, which will be headed by CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz.
According to DW, SPD co-chairman Lars Klingbeil will become vice-chancellor and finance minister. The post of labour minister will be taken by former Bundestag head Berbel Bas. Verena Hubertz will head the construction ministry. In total, the SPD will get seven positions in the cabinet, among the future ministers from the party women more than men.
The CDU/CSU bloc decided on its candidates for the government earlier. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in particular, will be headed by Johann Wadeful. He stated that he intends to continue his policy aimed at supporting Ukraine.
On 9 April 2025, Germany announced a coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU, which won the Bundestag elections in February, and the SPD as a junior partner. A vote of confidence in the new cabinet is due on 6 May, on which day Merz is expected to officially take office as chancellor.