Thorsten Frei, a seasoned lawyer and former mayor and close ally of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is set to take the reins as leader of Germany’s CDU parliamentary group, replacing Jens Spahn after his resignation amid a surrogacy scandal. Frei, 52, will now front the CDU and CSU bloc in the Bundestag, tasked with rallying his party, securing legislative wins, and navigating delicate coalition talks with the Social Democrats — a partnership that already sees Frei as a reliable, diplomatic negotiator. Known for his approachable demeanor and behind-the-scenes expertise, Frei’s move from shadow role to spotlight signals a fresh start for the CDU, aiming to restore credibility and unify a party under pressure.

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