World NewsGerman leader Merz reshuffles top posts as he tries to counter far-right advanceMerz counters far-rightFrom left: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrives with Philipp Amthor, Nina Warken and Carsten Linnemann and for statement about planned personnel changes in his government at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, July 24, 2026. That has resulted in Merz’s popularity sinking to rock-bottom levels, while the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has capitalized on widespread discontent. The German leader said Health Minister Nina Warken will take Frei’s place at the chancellery, a post that is key to the smooth functioning of the government. Another close ally, Carsten Linnemann, the general secretary of Merz’s party, will become health minister. Merz’s party opposes allowing it, a position that it reaffirmed at a convention in February, and Spahn himself had spoken out against it in the past.