GERMANY'S MERZ PICKS FIRST WOMAN CHIEF OF STAFF IN SHAKE-UP BEFORE STATE ELECTIONS

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz named Health Minister Nina Warken as his new chief of staff on Friday, as ‌part of a reshuffle intended to inject momentum into his unpopular government before difficult state elections in September.

Merz also said more changes were to come. Two sources familiar with the matter said he was set to replace his transport minister, but that will take longer as Merz's pick pulled out after initially agreeing to take the role.

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