German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has nominated Thorsten Frei as the new leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, replacing Jens Spahn who resigned over a surrogacy scandal. Frei, currently the chief of the chancellery and minister for special tasks, is seen as a close confidante of Merz and an influential figure among conservative lawmakers.
Spahn stepped down over the weekend after mounting criticism over his use of a surrogate mother in the United States. Surrogacy is banned in Germany, and the CDU/CSU has strictly condemned the practice. When news of the baby’s birth broke in the German press, it prompted charges of hypocrisy against Spahn, with colleagues demanding his resignation.
Spahn initially defended his decision, saying he had reflected on the issue for a long time. However, on Saturday he submitted his resignation, stating that his ‘personal happiness’ as a new father was ‘incompatible with my political office’. Merz praised Spahn but said his resignation was ‘right and unavoidable’.
Frei, 52, has served in parliament since 2013 and held several key posts, including deputy chairman and chief whip of the parliamentary group. Bavarian state premier Markus Söder, who heads the CSU, said Frei would be ‘a good chairman’.
The CDU/CSU parliamentary group is set to elect its new leader at a special meeting next Wednesday. Merz credited Frei with playing a decisive role in the government’s success and ensuring stability in the coalition with the SPD.
Article and image source: thelocal.de
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