Chancellor Friedrich Merz has dismissed the transport minister in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle aimed at boosting the government’s approval ratings ahead of next year’s federal election. The move, announced on Tuesday, removes a figure seen as closely tied to the previous administration’s infrastructure policies, which had drawn criticism for delays and cost overruns. Merz’s office said the change was necessary to accelerate key projects, including railway modernization and electric vehicle charging networks. The sacked minister, whose name has not been officially confirmed, had clashed with the chancellery over budget priorities. Political analysts say the shake-up signals Merz’s determination to present a united and efficient team to voters. The opposition has accused the chancellor of scapegoating individual ministers for systemic failures. The new transport minister is expected to be named within days, with speculation focusing on a business-friendly candidate from Merz’s own party.
News From Multiple Perspectives
Germany’s Merz sacks transport minister in cabinet shake-up
Published July 27, 2026 at 4:03 PM UTC