CDU's party conference dominated media coverage, with Merz presenting his "Sofortprogramm" - a 15-point immediate action plan focusing on migration restrictions. The program passed unanimously amid street protests, with 700 police officers protecting the conference venue.
Habeck responded with a counter-proposal while leaked intelligence documents labeled AfD as "right-wing extremist." Trump's temporary suspension of tariffs against Mexico and Canada briefly shifted attention from domestic politics.
By afternoon, Merz's speech attempted to reinforce the "Brandwall" against AfD collaboration, responding to previous days' parliamentary defeat. Söder's support speech accused Greens of "hypocrisy." Evening coverage revealed a private meeting between Baerbock, Merz, and Laschet at the latter's home, while economists warned of Trump's tariff impact on German industry.