The SPD unveiled its ministerial team for the new Merz-led coalition government, with notable exclusion of co-chair Saskia Esken. Boris Pistorius retained his Defense position while Bundestag President Bärbel Bas was appointed Labor Minister. Lars Klingbeil emerged as Vice Chancellor, consolidating power within the party.
Union and SPD formally signed their coalition agreement, progressing toward Tuesday's chancellorship vote. Jens Spahn was elected as Union faction leader with 91% approval.
The AfD controversy continued following its classification as "definitively right-wing extremist," with the party filing a nearly 200-page lawsuit against the Verfassungsschutz. Debate intensified regarding potential consequences for AfD-affiliated civil servants and teachers.
By evening, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz received the traditional Großer Zapfenstreich farewell ceremony, requesting music from the Beatles, Bach, and Aretha Franklin while urging democratic unity.