BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany’s next cabinet is taking shape as coalition negotiations near a deal, with chancellor-in-waiting Olaf Scholz determined to deliver on his campaign pledge to have as many women as men in his team, sources said on Saturday.

Scholz’s center-left Social Democrats, (SPD) narrowly defeated Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives in the September federal election. They are now trying to forge a three-way coalition with the Greens (pro-spending Greens), and the conservative Free Democrats (FDP).

According to Reuters, the SPD plans to nominate three female cabinet members: Svenja Scharze, the outgoing Environment Minister, and Christine Lambrecht, the outgoing Justice Minister, as well as Scholz’s ex-running mate, Klara Geywitz.

According to sources, Schulze will be the economy minister. Lambrecht will probably take over the interior portfolio, including migration. Geywitz might also get the science-education ministry.

Scholz, who is the SPD man, will be the chancellor of the next government, while his right-handman Wolfgang Schmidt will become his chief staff officer. Hubertus Heil, Labour Minister, is likely to continue his position due to his outstanding performance during the COVID-19 epidemic, according to sources.

Multiple times, coalition officials insist that the decision on cabinet posts will come at the conclusion of all negotiations. Officials from the party have suggested that an agreement might be reached within the week, perhaps as soon as Monday or Tuesday.

FDP leader Christian Lindner plans to run for finance minister. Robert Habeck (Greens co-leader) is interested in the top job, which will provide enough public funds to help Germany make a faster transition to a climate-friendly economic system.

Friday was a day when Lindner stated that fears of him being a fiscal bully as finance minister had been exaggerated, despite repeatedly calling for strong public finances and debt relief following the coronavirus crises.