FACTBOX: Likely cabinet members in a new German government

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel hopes to form a center-right government with the Free Democrats (FDP) after a federal election Sunday, but could be forced into another "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats (SPD).

Below is a summary of how top cabinet positions could look under these two coalition scenarios, which are considered the most likely:

CENTER-RIGHT ALLIANCE (CDU/CSU and FDP)

* FINANCE MINISTER - FDP veteran HERMANN OTTO SOLMS, 68, is considered a leading candidate to take over this key post, which will have responsibility for reducing Germany's soaring debt and deficit levels and nursing the country's fragile banks back to health. Solms has served as his party's treasurer and parliamentary leader during a career in the Bundestag lower house that spans three decades. He is respected within the party as competent and serious. If Merkel's conservatives claim this post, the CSU's rising star KARL-THEODOR ZU GUTTENBERG, 37, is expected to slide over from his current post as economy minister. Guttenberg, who has the title of Baron, has emerged as one of Germany's most popular politicians, making a name for himself by taking stands against state intervention to help firms like Opel and Arcandor.

* FOREIGN MINISTER - FDP leader GUIDO WESTERWELLE, 47, has this post locked up if his party is able to form a coalition with Merkel's conservatives. A former lawyer who is openly gay, he has run the party since 2001 and would likely ensure continuity in foreign policy, while speaking out more forcefully on human rights abuses in countries like Russia and China and pushing disarmament.

* ECONOMY MINISTER - If GUTTENBERG (see above) switches to the finance ministry, this post is expected to go to FDP deputy parliamentary leader RAINER BRUEDERLE, 64, who has been a member of the Bundestag since 1998 after serving as deputy premier of the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate for a decade. The post could lose some of its influence within the cabinet if the dynamic, media-friendly Guttenberg is replaced.

* INTERIOR MINISTER - Veteran CDU member WOLFGANG SCHAEUBLE, 66, whose tough stances on domestic security and surveillance have made him a lightning rod for critics on the left and within the FDP, could stay in this post. But Merkel could also opt to put her current chief of staff THOMAS DE MAIZIERE, 55, in this sensitive position. The diplomatic De Maiziere would be more likely to forge compromises with the FDP on sensitive security issues and could depart from Schaueble's tough stance on Germany accepting Guantanamo Bay inmates.

* DEFENSE MINISTER - Until recently, CDU incumbent FRANZ JOSEF JUNG, 60, was seen as a sure-thing to keep his post, but criticism of his handling of a controversial German-ordered air strike in Afghanistan has raised questions about whether he will stay on. If he goes, GUTTENBERG (see above) is seen as a possibility. A new face from Merkel's party could also take over, possibly CDU parliamentary foreign policy expert ECKART

VON KLAEDEN, 43.

GRAND COALITION (CDU/CSU and SPD)

* FINANCE MINISTER - SPD incumbent PEER STEINBRUECK, 62, would almost surely stay in this post in a second a "grand coalition." Steinbrueck is a strong advocate of budget consolidation and would likely push for aggressive measures to bring down Germany's debt and deficit levels. Close to Merkel, Steinbrueck was accused by critics of being slow to recognize the scope of the crisis and its impact on Germany, but is respected at home for his outspoken stances. He has alienated partners abroad with his withering attacks on tax havens and Anglo-Saxon capitalism and some of Germany's allies, notably Switzerland, would probably be happy to see him go.

* FOREIGN MINISTER - SPD incumbent and chancellor candidate FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER, 53, would probably return to this post if he loses to Merkel but ensures his party remains in government. Seen as competent and with a good mastery of detail, Steinmeier is a strong advocate of disarmament and diplomacy in dealing with difficult states. He has worked closely with Merkel on issues like climate change, Afghanistan and EU issues.

* ECONOMY MINISTER - GUTTENBERG (see above) would probably stay in his current post in a new coalition between conservatives and the SPD.

* INTERIOR MINISTER - SCHAEUBLE or DE MAIZIERE (see above) are seen as the top candidates for this post.

* DEFENSE MINISTER - JUNG (see above) could return to the post he has served in for the past four years, but a new face like VON KLAEDEN (see above) is also possible.

(Writing by Noah Barkin)