In recent developments regarding the coalition negotiations in Germany, Karl Lauterbach, the current Federal Minister of Health, has been appointed as the deputy leader of the Social Democratic Party's (SPD) health and care working group. This decision comes amidst the unveiling of personnel by both the SPD and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for the upcoming discussions aimed at forming a new government. The CDU has designated Karl-Josef Laumann, the Minister of Social Affairs from North Rhine-Westphalia, to lead its health and care working group. Other notable members from the CDU include Kerstin von der Decken, the Health Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, Albrecht Schütte, a member of the Baden-Württemberg State Parliament, and Tino Sorge, along with the newly elected virologist Professor Hendrik Streeck. For the Christian Social Union (CSU), negotiators in the coalition working group will include Stephan Pilsinger, Emmi Zeulner, and Klaus Holetschek. Meanwhile, the CDU has also allocated leadership roles in other working groups, with Jens Spahn at the helm of the Economic Affairs group and Alexander Dobrindt managing financial matters. Within the SPD, Katja Pähle, the chair of the SPD parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt, has been confirmed as the head of the health and care working group. Lauterbach will serve as her deputy, joined by other SPD members, including Sabine Dittmar, Clemens Hoch, and Andreas Philippi. Matthias Mieves, one of the group members, expressed his commitment to negotiating vigorously to ensure that Germany's health system remains robust, digital, and equitable. Pähle previously led the health working group for the coalition negotiations in 2021, which led to the formation of the current government. Despite Lauterbach's significant role as Health Minister, his position as deputy in this negotiation group does not diminish his influence, as leadership of working groups does not automatically correlate with holding a ministerial position. For instance, Nancy Faeser, the Federal Minister of the Interior, also holds a deputy role in the working group focused on bureaucracy reduction. The final distribution of ministerial positions remains uncertain, although the assignment of these groups may provide insights into potential future roles. Laumann, who has a long history in politics, was previously a member of the Bundestag and served in various capacities, including as the Secretary of State in the Federal Ministry of Health. Laumann is known for his strong advocacy for improved hospital care and has been critical of Lauterbach's proposed hospital reforms. His focus on hospital services and nursing care aligns with the ongoing discussions about health system reforms in Germany. Furthermore, he has consistently supported pharmacy interests and has opposed contentious elements of recent pharmacy reform legislation. The coalition negotiations will involve 16 working groups, each comprising 16 members, starting from tomorrow. This structure aims to facilitate thorough discussions on various policy areas critical for the future governance of Germany, including health, economics, and education.