CDU's Steiniger to Become State Secretary in Federal Economics Ministry

Johannes Steiniger, a key figure in the Rhineland-Palatinate CDU, is set to take on a new role as state secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs. The 39-year-old, who has been a member of the Bundestag since 2013, expressed surprise at the departure of Patrick Schnieder from his ministerial post, a move that created the opening for Steiniger's appointment. Steiniger, a gymnasium teacher for mathematics and politics, is a directly elected representative from the Neustadt-Speyer constituency.

Steiniger was a driving force behind the CDU's successful state election campaign in March, which ended 35 years of Social Democratic Party (SPD) governance in Rhineland-Palatinate and positioned the CDU as the leading party. During the campaign, he actively supported Gordon Schnieder, the younger brother of the former transport minister. Steiniger, who also serves as the CDU state chairman, had previously held the position of CDU secretary-general in Rhineland-Palatinate. His campaign efforts earned him explicit praise from Chancellor and party leader Friedrich Merz.

During the election campaign, Steiniger did not shy away from criticizing the SPD and its state premier, Alexander Schweitzer. He warned of a potential red-red-green coalition and emphasized the CDU's refusal to cooperate with the AfD or The Left party in the state parliament. Steiniger had consistently stated his intention not to seek a ministerial position in his home state, even if the CDU won the election. Nevertheless, he participated in the four-person CDU negotiation team for a coalition with the SPD. Steiniger, who is active on social media, is married with two daughters and has a background in youth football coaching and local politics.