CDU leader Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting, sparked controversy by suggesting potential Taurus missile deliveries to Ukraine, triggering harsh Russian responses. Dmitry Medvedev called him a "Nazi," escalating diplomatic tensions.
Morning reports focused on Merz softening previous economic positions, no longer ruling out tax increases despite campaign promises. The fatal pushing of a 15-year-old from a Hamburg high-rise gained coverage, with reports claiming foreign perpetrators.
Trump's erratic tariff policies continued creating market chaos with constant reversals of exemptions. Reports revealed his trade war unexpectedly impacts Russian oil exports, suggesting strategic targeting beyond China.
The SPD-CDU coalition faced internal resistance as the Jusos formally rejected the coalition agreement. The May 6 date for Merz's election as chancellor was confirmed, despite declining public trust. Multiple newspapers analyzed Germany's precarious position between US-China tensions as Trump's policies force strategic realignments.