Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD), who are entering into a coalition with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives, announced the ministerial posts the centre-left party would fill in the new government.<br /><br />SPD Chairman Sigmar Gabriel, who is set to be vice-chancellor, unveiled his party’s ministers at a press conference in Berlin.<br /><br />Gabriel announced that the SPD will be taking over six ministries and will provide one state minister.<br /><br />Gabriel himself will run the newly-created economy and energy ministry.<br /><br />SPD Treasurer Barbara Hendricks was announced as Minister for the Environment and Nature Protection.<br /><br />Frank-Walter Steinmeier will become foreign minister once again. He held the position in the grand coalition formed in 2005.<br /><br />Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) are expected to announce their ministers later on Sunday, December 15.
