The Greens delivered a decisive blow to CDU/CSU-SPD coalition plans by announcing they would reject the proposed financial package requiring constitutional amendments. Their veto threatens Merz's €500 billion special fund, continuing the fiscal controversy that emerged over the weekend.
CSU leaders insisted this was "not the last word," while CDU officials began mentioning the possibility of new elections. The FDP offered an alternative Bundeswehr-focused plan. Multiple outlets characterized the Greens' stance as retribution for being excluded from coalition talks.
Internationally, coverage focused on Zelensky's travel to Saudi Arabia for peace negotiations and his planned meeting with US Secretary Rubio. Trump's statements that Ukraine is in a poor negotiating position received attention.
Transportation disruptions continued with airport strikes affecting 13 facilities and 67,000 passengers in Berlin alone. Düsseldorf's Rheinbahn strike was extended through Friday, compounding the transportation crisis.