Merkel to give leading critic cabinet promotion

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, announced that she would promote Jens Spahn, 37, her most prominent critic from within her conservative party, to a coalition cabinet, in a sign that she has heeded calls for renewal to revive her grumbling party.

Although she has agreed a deal with the leaders of the Social Democrats (SPD) for a new “grand coalition”, Mrs Merkel needs the blessing of both camps to be sure of a fourth term. Approval from SPD members is far from certain.