Schröder Denies Cabinet Shakeup

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder sought Monday to quell speculation that he may be planning to replace members of his cabinet, including Defense Minister Peter Struck. Schröder's spokesman, Thomas Steg, said the chancellor had no reason to assume that Struck would not remain in office through the current legislative period, which ends in 2006. He also again denied all speculation that the chancellor is planning to restructure his administration in the autumn. The general secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Klaus Uwe Benneter also said he didn't see any reason for making any changes to the current lineup of ministers. The German media began speculating about the future of Schröder's cabinet after Struck temporarily stepped down from the Defense Ministry on June 10 because of circulatory problems. Struck is expected to return to his post in mid-August.