Katherina Reiche Appointed as New Minister of Economics

Katherina Reiche, a familiar face within the political landscape of Berlin, has recently been appointed as the new Minister of Economics. Despite her long-standing involvement in politics, she remains relatively unknown to the general public. Her ascent to this significant role marks a notable shift in the German political scene.

Reiche's political career began in 1998 when she was first elected to the Bundestag. She gained national prominence in 2002 when she was brought into the fold by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, serving as an expert on family policy. Her initial entry into politics was met with scrutiny, particularly concerning her personal life, as she was an unmarried mother expecting her second child at the time. This raised eyebrows within the traditionally conservative circles of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

In the aftermath of the 2005 federal elections, Reiche actively supported Merkel's candidacy for Chancellor, leading to Merkel's eventual election. Following this, she took on the role of deputy leader of the CDU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, where she managed several key areas, including education, research, environmental protection, and nuclear safety.

Reiche's marriage to fellow CDU member Sven Petke, with whom she shares three children, ended in separation several years ago. In 2009, she was appointed as Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for the Environment, where she played a role during the pivotal decision to phase out nuclear power in Germany. Interestingly, she has historically supported nuclear energy, voting in favor of extending operating times even as public sentiment shifted.

Her political positions have often sparked controversy; for example, she has been a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, expressing her belief that the future of German society relies on traditional family structures. This stance has drawn significant criticism, especially following the legalization of same-sex marriage in Germany in 2017.

In 2013, Reiche transitioned to the Federal Ministry of Transport, where she served as Parliamentary State Secretary under Minister Alexander Dobrindt. However, in 2015, she decided to shift her focus to the private sector, resigning from her parliamentary seat to take the helm at the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VkU). In this capacity, she represented the interests of over 1,500 members involved in energy, water, and waste management.

During her tenure at VkU, she advocated for various initiatives aimed at modernizing municipal infrastructure, such as a collaboration with the Minister of Transport to facilitate the retrofitting of truck fleets with safety technology.

In late 2019, Reiche announced her departure from VkU to lead Westenergie, an energy conglomerate, starting her new role in January 2020. Additionally, she became the chairperson of the National Hydrogen Council, which provides advisory support to the government on the strategic development of hydrogen as a future energy source.

Her recent appointment as Minister of Economics came as a surprise in April 2025, following the withdrawal of another candidate favored for the position. Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed her appointment on April 28, signaling a strategic choice meant to balance the economic interests of the country with internal party dynamics.

Reiche's nomination has garnered praise from various sectors, especially in the economic sphere, yet it has also raised concerns within party ranks, as some state factions feel sidelined. Her ability to navigate these challenges will be critical as she steps into her new role, tasked with addressing the needs of both the economy and her party.