First Merkel cabinet

The First Merkel cabinet was the government of the Federal Republic of Germany from November 22, 2005, to October 27, 2009. This cabinet served during the 16th legislative session of the Bundestag. It was led by Angela Merkel, who became the first woman to serve as Chancellor of Germany.

This government was formed after the 2005 federal election and replaced the second Schröder cabinet. It was made up of a grand coalition between three political parties: the Christian Democratic Union, the Christian Social Union of Bavaria, and the Social Democratic Party.

The First Merkel cabinet ended its work when a new government was formed after the 2009 federal elections. The new government, known as the second Merkel cabinet, began on October 28, 2009. This period was important because it marked the beginning of Merkel’s leadership in Germany.

Composition

The first government led by Angela Merkel, Germany's first female Chancellor, included many important leaders who helped run the country. This team worked together from November 2005 until October 2009.

Formation of the grand coalition

After the 2005 federal election, neither the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) with the Free Democratic Party nor the Social Democrats (SPD) with Alliance '90/The Greens had enough votes to lead the government. So, the CDU/CSU and SPD decided to work together in a grand coalition. Both parties got about the same number of votes, so they agreed to share positions in the government.

The leaders of the parties chose their ministers, and Angela Merkel became the first woman to be Chancellor of Germany on November 22, 2005. The government started working from that day.