Dismissed German state secretary criticizes Chancellor Merz for 'poor style'

Tino Sorge, recently dismissed from his post as health state secretary, has voiced strong criticism against Chancellor Friedrich Merz, citing "poor style" in the handling of his removal. Sorge stated that he learned of the decision through party committees and the press rather than a direct conversation with the Chancellor.

"The Chancellor's decision is noted," Sorge wrote on X. "That he announced it – instead of a personal conversation with me – first in party committees and before the press, remains his own matter of style." He expressed hope that the Chancellor's decision adheres to a "higher logic" that transcends individual personnel decisions.

Sorge, who had expressed a desire to continue his work in health policy, is being replaced by Christiane Schenderlein, the current State Minister for Sport and Volunteering. This personnel change is part of a wider cabinet reshuffle initiated by Merz. Sachsen-Anhalt's Minister President Sven Schulze described the reshuffling as "not necessarily well managed," particularly given the timing before upcoming state elections in September.