The fallout from the AfD's classification as "definitively right-wing extremist" dominated coverage, with several federal states examining consequences for civil servants affiliated with the party. US involvement intensified as Secretary of State Rubio and Senator Vance criticized the classification, prompting a rebuke from Germany's Foreign Office. Sahra Wagenknecht described the classification as an "authoritarian restructuring."
Putin appears to have adjusted his war aims in Ukraine, potentially in response to Trump's influence. Ukraine claimed to have destroyed a Russian jet worth €50 million and ten motorcycles, countering new Russian tactics.
Economic concerns surfaced with German industry worried about critical raw materials and housing costs outpacing wage increases. Meanwhile, Trump's administration announced plans to cut about 1,200 positions at the CIA.
In religious news, Munich's Archbishop Cardinal Marx emerged as a papal candidate as conclave speculation intensified.