Johann Wadephul who supports arms supplies to Ukraine has been appointed Germany’s foreign minister

Germany’s conservatives have nominated Johann Wadephul, known for his support for arms supplies to Ukraine and his harsh criticism of the Kremlin, as foreign minister in the German coalition government.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is expected to formally adopt the document on Monday afternoon.

Wadephul, (62), a foreign policy expert for the conservatives in the Bundestag, is considered close to appointed Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is expected to be confirmed in the German parliament on May 6, following his bloc’s victory in the legislative elections in late February.

Before that, the Social Democrats, with whom the Conservatives have chosen to form a new government, must agree to the coalition agreement, which serves as a roadmap for the next four years between the two allies.

The Christian Democratic Union, led by Merz, also announced the selection of former Minister of State for Climate and Transport Katharina Reiche, (51), as Minister of Economy in the next government.

This is a different ministerial portfolio in Germany than the Ministry of Finance, which will be held by a Social Democrat.

The economy portfolio is currently of particular importance, as Europe’s largest economy is experiencing a severe crisis that is shaking the foundations of its industrial model.

The country has experienced two consecutive years of contraction, and the economy is expected to enter a recession this year.

While the Ministry of Education will be headed by Karin Prien and the Ministry of Health by MP Nina Farken, the newly created Ministry of Digitalization and Modernization will be headed by businessman Carsten Feldberger, CEO of Sikonomy, a large electronics distribution group.

Torsten Frei, a close associate of Friedrich Merz, will be tasked with heading the Chancellery and the Ministry of Special Affairs, pending the announcement by the Christian Social Union of the names it has chosen for three ministerial portfolios later today.

The Social Democratic Party will also announce its picks for seven ministerial portfolios, most notably the finance and defense portfolios, which may remain with current minister Boris Pistorius, known for his pro-Ukraine stance.