German Chancellor Merz reshuffles cabinet, faces criticism from within his own party

In late July 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz carried out a cabinet reshuffle, replacing some ministers and keeping others in their posts despite criticism. The move has drawn sharp reactions from within his own conservative Union bloc, with some party members openly questioning the changes and warning that the party is alienating itself from its leader and drifting into what they call the "SPD death zone."