Cabinet Reshuffle: Former State Minister Refrains from Criticizing Merz After Dismissal

Christiane Schenderlein, a politician from the Saxon CDU, has broken her silence following her dismissal as State Minister for Sport and Volunteering. She expressed disappointment with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's decision but stated she respects his choice and will refrain from making further public statements.

"Of course, I would have liked to continue this work, but it was not in my hands," Schenderlein told the "Leipziger Volkszeitung" and "Sächsische Zeitung." She added, "I respect his decision. But I will not make any assessments." Merz reportedly informed Schenderlein of her dismissal via a phone call while she was returning from vacation.

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Of course, I would have liked to continue this work, but it was not in my hands.

According to Schenderlein, Merz clarified that her dismissal was not related to her performance. He indicated satisfaction with her work but expressed a desire to reorient the ministry with someone possessing a higher public profile. This cabinet reshuffle, which included Schenderlein's removal, occurred in late July and has generated considerable discontent within East German CDU associations, with Saxony's State Premier Michael Kretschmer publicly criticizing the move.

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I respect his decision. But I will not make any assessments.