Politician Wissing, previously overseeing Transport matters, ventures into the Economy sector
In the wake of Germany's coalition collapse, several key political figures have made significant moves.
Harald Christ, the owner of the corporate group, has a diverse political past, having been a member of both the SPD and the FDP. Despite leaving the FDP after the coalition's demise, he remained the lone liberal in Olaf Scholz's cabinet.
Volker Wissing, former Federal Minister of Transport, is another notable figure. After serving in the traffic light coalition, he has stepped down from politics and taken over the chairmanship of a new advisory board at Christ Capital GmbH. The appointment, however, requires approval from the federal government.
Wissing's departure from politics has left a void, with many former members of the Scholz government leaving the political stage. The FDP, in particular, has seen a mass exodus after the party's failure to return to parliament in the federal election.
Cem Özdemir, former Federal Minister of Agriculture and Green Party chairman, is aiming to fill one such void. He announced his bid to succeed the non-re-running Minister President Winfried Kretschmann in the Baden-Württemberg state election next year. Özdemir's popularity within his own ranks, having replaced the unsuccessful Christine Lambrecht in the last legislative period, has made him a strong contender.
In a direct vote for the next Minister President, the Green politician, Özdemir, currently leads his CDU opponent Manuel Hagel. However, the outcome of the state election remains uncertain, as recent polls show the Greens behind the CDU.
Annalena Baerbock, the former Foreign Minister and Green Party co-chair, has also made headlines. She has been elected President of the UN General Assembly and will chair the sessions and set agendas. Baerbock's new job in New York is seen as a potential start to an international career for the 44-year-old.
Meanwhile, Christian Lindner, the former FDP chairman and Federal Minister of Finance, has disappeared from the political stage after the party's election debacle. He has been approved for a new activity as a freelance speaker and author.
Lastly, Robert Habeck, the former Green Party chairman, Federal Minister of Economics, and Vice Chancellor, has announced his resignation from his Bundestag mandate on September 1st. His future plans are yet to be revealed.
As Germany navigates its political landscape post-coalition, these transitions and changes promise an interesting period ahead.
