The AfD matching the Union at 24% in polls dominated morning coverage, continuing the trend observed yesterday. This historic achievement signals a fundamental shift in Germany's political landscape, pressuring Friedrich Merz on whether to maintain or break his anti-AfD stance.
By midday, Thomas Müller's departure from Bayern Munich temporarily diverted attention, with reporting suggesting he wanted to stay but the club decided otherwise.
Afternoon coverage returned to economic concerns as the EU planned retaliation against Trump's tariffs, with specific mention of targeting Elon Musk as an example. European automakers announced drastic measures in response to the tariffs, which were revealed to be even higher than initially announced. By evening, Musk himself appeared to break with Trump, advocating for a "zero-tariff situation" with Europe despite the president's policies.
The day ended with growing analysis of how Trump's policies were undermining NATO and international alliances.