Four Ministers Waive Swearing-In Formula
- BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Friedrich Merz was sworn in on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following a historic second-ballot election. The swearing-in ceremony for Merz and his new cabinet...
- The day was marked by political maneuvering and anticipation.
- Following Merz's swearing-in, the newly appointed ministers received their certificates of appointment from President steinmeier before taking their oaths in the bundestag.
Merz Elected Chancellor; Ministers Sworn In, Some Omit Religious Reference
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BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Friedrich Merz was sworn in on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following a historic second-ballot election. The swearing-in ceremony for Merz and his new cabinet followed, with some ministers choosing to omit the religious invocation “so God helps me” from their oath.
The day was marked by political maneuvering and anticipation. The initial chancellor election required an unprecedented second vote. Friedrich Merz, of the CDU party, secured the chancellorship in the afternoon. He than proceeded to Bellevue Castle for the formal appointment by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD), before returning to the Bundestag for the swearing-in ceremony.
Ministerial Oath Adherence to Articles 64 and 56
Following Merz’s swearing-in, the newly appointed ministers received their certificates of appointment from President steinmeier before taking their oaths in the bundestag. The process, presided over by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU), adhered to established protocol.
Klöckner cited article 64, Paragraph 2 of the Basic Law, referencing Article 56, which outlines the oath required of the Chancellor and ministers. The official text, as published on gesetze-im-internet.de, states: “I swear that I will dedicate my strength to the well-being of the German people, promote their welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federation, conscientiously fulfill my duties, and administer justice to all. So help me God.”
Klöckner clarified that ministers could choose between “I swear, so help me God” or the secular “I swear it.” the website gesetze-im-internet.de, maintained by the Ministry of Justice, notes that the oath can be taken without religious affirmation, leaving the choice to each individual.
Four Ministers Forego Religious Invocation
During the ministerial swearing-in, four ministers opted for the shortened, secular oath. Lars Klingbeil (SPD), the Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor, along with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) and foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) all chose “I swear it.” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was the first to use the religious addition “I swear”. Minister of Labor Bärbel Bas (SPD), Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) and Minister of Progress Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD) also omitted the religious phrase.
Chancellor Merz offered a handshake to each new cabinet member following their oath.merz himself included “so God helps me” when he was sworn in earlier. Klöckner held the original Basic Law, protected by white gloves, during Merz’s oath. the economy has already begun to exert pressure on the new Chancellor.
merz Elected Chancellor; Ministers Sworn In, Some Forego Religious Oath
Key Events:
- Friedrich Merz was sworn in as Chancellor on May 6, 2025, following a second-ballot election.
- A ministerial swearing-in ceremony followed.
- Some ministers chose to omit the religious invocation “so God helps me” from their oath.
Who is Friedrich merz?
Friedrich Merz, of the CDU party, secured the chancellorship. The article does not provide more details about Chancellor Merz outside of his election.
What is the Ministerial Oath in Germany?
The ministerial oath in Germany is a solemn promise made by the Chancellor and ministers. It is outlined in article 56 of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz). The oath includes a commitment to serve the German people, uphold the Basic Law, and fulfill their duties conscientiously.
What are the oath Options According to German Law?
Ministers have two options for the oath:
- “I swear, so help me God.” This includes a religious affirmation.
- “I swear it.” This is a secular oath without religious reference.
The website gesetze-im-internet.de, maintained by the Ministry of Justice, confirms that the oath can be taken without religious affirmation, allowing each individual to choose.
which Ministers Omitted the Religious Invocation?
During the swearing-in ceremony, several ministers chose to use the secular oath, omitting the religious phrase.
List of Ministers and Oath Type:
| Minister | Oath Type |
|---|---|
| Lars Klingbeil (Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor) | “I swear it.” (Secular) |
| Alexander Dobrindt (Interior Minister) | “I swear it.” (Secular) |
| johann Wadephul (Foreign Minister) | “I swear it.” (Secular) |
| Boris Pistorius (Defense Minister) | “I swear, so help me God” (Religious) |
| Bärbel Bas (Labor Minister) | “I swear it.” (Secular) |
| Carsten Schneider (Environment Minister) | “I swear it.” (Secular) |
| Reem Alabali-Radovan (Minister of Progress) | “I swear it.” (Secular) |
Chancellor Merz himself used the religious phrase “so God helps me” when he was sworn in.
Who Presided Over the Swearing-in Ceremony?
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Bundestag President julia Klöckner (CDU).
Where Does the Oath Protocol Come From?
The oath protocol is referenced in Article 64, Paragraph 2, and Article 56 of the Basic Law.