Morning coverage focused on the Merkel-Obama dialogue in Washington, carefully avoiding Trump topics while discussing memoirs. The DAX crossed 20,000 points for the first time despite economic concerns, while Italian authorities issued an arrest warrant for Signa's René Benko.
By afternoon, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law dominated coverage, with parliament staff reportedly using fire extinguishers against soldiers. The crisis resolved within hours as parliament unanimously rejected the decree, forcing Yoon to withdraw it by evening.
Syrian rebel advances continued gathering momentum, with Putin withdrawing naval forces from Syrian waters. The Bochum Christmas market closed due to security barrier damage, while reports emerged of poor conditions in Berlin's Tegel refugee facility. CDU's talks with Die Linke in Thüringen signaled potential political realignments ahead of state elections.