Germany is witnessing its first major cabinet reshuffle under Chancellor Friedrich Merz after a political controversy forced a senior minister to resign. The shake-up follows the resignation of senior CDU leader Jens Spahn, triggering significant changes within Germany's federal government. Chancellor Merz has appointed new ministers and indicated that additional cabinet changes could follow in the coming days. The political overhaul comes as Germany faces economic challenges, declining public approval, and growing political pressure from the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Germany in political turmoil | Friedrich Merz reshuffles Cabinet after minister's resignation

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has carried out the first major cabinet reshuffle of his government following the resignation of Jens Spahn. The move marks a significant moment for the new administration as Berlin navigates domestic challenges, economic concerns and key European policy priorities. Watch this report for details on the cabinet changes, political reactions and what the reshuffle means for Germany's future.

Friedrich Merz reshuffles cabinet after Jens Spahn's resignation

With a steady fall in the number of reported incidences of coronavirus over the last month, Germany is now all set to open up the way for outdoor concerts this summer.

According to data collated by the pubic health institute, Germany now stands at 64.5 coronavirus positive cases per 100,000. Boasting of the country’s victory over the coronavirus, Health Minister Jens Spahn Said that Germany had broken the third wave of the virus.

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When asked by a German newspaper, if this downward trend in COVID-19 cases would allow for open-air concerts, he replied, "Yes. But no&nbsp;rock&nbsp;festivals where tens of thousands are in each other's arms."

"Concerts in the Olympic Stadium (in Berlin), which is not full, or in the park with tests and social distancing are possible from today's perspective."

When asked about the Bundesliga soccer matches, Spahn said, "If the incidence continues to fall, I am sure that&nbsp;fans&nbsp;will be allowed back into the stadium in August."

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Speaking about vaccination for children Spahn mentioned that the country is just waiting for European approval of the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNtech, which is meant for children aged between 12-16 years.

Previously Germany had&nbsp;set the goal to offer a vaccine to this age group by the end of August, and according to the health minister for a carefree summer, they (Germany) just "needs to reduce the incidences further".

Earlier this month Britain also had a test-run concert right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

With a steady fall in the number of reported incidences of coronavirus over the last month, Germany is now all set to open up the way for outdoor concerts this summer.

With a steady fall in the number of reported incidences of coronavirus over the last month, Germany is now all set to open up the way for outdoor concerts this summer. According to data collated by the pubic health institute, Germany now stands at 64.5 coronavirus positive cases per 100,000. Boasting of the country’s victory over the coronavirus, Health Minister Jens Spahn Said that Germany had broken the third wave of the virus. Also Read | Euphoric clubbers hit dance floor again as Spain trials digital COVID-19 pass When asked by a German newspaper, if this downward trend in COVID-19 cases would allow for open-air concerts, he replied, "Yes. But no rock festivals where tens of thousands are in each other's arms." "Concerts in the Olympic Stadium (in Berlin), which is not full, or in the park with tests and social distancing are possible from today's perspective." When asked about the Bundesliga soccer matches, Spahn said, "If the incidence continues to fall, I am sure that fans will be allowed back into the stadium in August." Speaking about vaccination for children Spahn mentioned that the country is just waiting for European approval of the vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNtech, which is meant for children aged between 12-16 years. Previously Germany had set the goal to offer a vaccine to this age group by the end of August, and according to the health minister for a carefree summer, they (Germany) just "needs to reduce the incidences further". Earlier this month Britain also had a test-run concert right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With decline in covid cases, Germany prepares for concerts, open-air gigs

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000.

"I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

"Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination.

"Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added.

Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD).

SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn has drawn up draft legislation to oblige parents to get their children vaccinated against measles or else face fines and their exclusion from daycare. Spahn's initiative comes amid a highly charged debate in Germany about whether the measles vaccine should be obligatory, and as the number of cases of the once-eradicated disease in the United States hit the highest levels since 2000. "I want to eradicate measles," Spahn told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," said Spahn, setting out his plans, which would oblige parents to show proof of vaccination. "Whoever does not get their child vaccinated, faces up to 2,500 euros in fines," he added. Spahn believes he has broad support for his draft law in the ruling coalition of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives, to which he belongs, and the left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD). SPD health policy expert Karl Lauterbach spoke of a "very good basis" for a joint discussion. "It will not work without fines," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper.

Get your children vaccinated or face fine: German health minister

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Germany in political turmoil | Friedrich Merz reshuffles Cabinet after minister's resignation

Friedrich Merz reshuffles cabinet after Jens Spahn's resignation

With decline in covid cases, Germany prepares for concerts, open-air gigs

Get your children vaccinated or face fine: German health minister