Former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich may become chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. According to the “Spiegel” Party Chairman and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil asked the 65-year-old if he was interested in the position. Mützenich led the SPD parliamentary group from September 2019 to February 2025. After the February federal election, he handed over the position to Klingbeil, who this week joined the cabinet of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) as Vice Chancellor and Federal Finance Minister.
The federal parliament’s committees are expected to convene in May. It is not yet clear whether the SPD will indeed receive the chairmanship of the Foreign Affairs Committee. However, it is likely, as the CDU will appoint the Federal Foreign Minister in the new government.
It is stated that Rolf Mützenich must decide whether he would have political maneuvering room as a parliamentarian or only act as an executive organ of the government in the new role. It is advised that he should avoid the hassle. Mützenich, for example, is more cautious about weapons deliveries to Ukraine than Klingbeil. Both declined to comment on the matter.