The CDU/CSU-SPD coalition blueprint faced intensifying criticism, with economists condemning "expensive election gifts" and an "ecological scandal." Former Interior Minister Seehofer accused Merz of betraying voters on debt policies, while the CDU's business wing warned of a "debt spiral." The Greens formally rejected the financial package as "not approvable."
Migration plans began unraveling as neighboring countries signaled they would block Merz's border control proposals, despite federal police confirming feasibility. Defense issues dominated afternoon coverage with calls for Boris Pistorius to remain as Defense Minister and debate about Germany needing its own nuclear weapons.
International focus remained on Trump's statement that Ukraine "might not survive anyway" following aid suspension, while reports of over 1,000 deaths in Syria emerged. Transport chaos continued as Hamburg Airport remained paralyzed by surprise strikes, with a Tagesschau presenter publicly criticizing Verdi's tactics.