Germany’s top security official Horst Seehofer says he’s stepping down as head of his party but will remain interior minister in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet.
Seehofer had been reportedly planning on resigning both posts but told reporters that “I am the federal interior minister and will continue to serve in that role.”
Seehofer did confirm that he was planning on resigning as head of the Christian Social Union, the Bavarian-only sister party of Merkel’s Christian Democrats. He said he’d announce specifics on timing later in the week.
Seehofer was re-elected as CSU leader in December. However, questions over his leadership were raised after his party’s dismal performance in Bavaria’s September state election.