German media on October 15 continued to be dominated by the escalating dispute over military conscription, following the previous day's failed lottery plan. Early reports highlighted the collapse of a compromise and heavy criticism directed at Defense Minister Pistorius. By late morning, the focus shifted to increasing chaos within the Merz government, with further opposition emerging via memes. In the early afternoon, the sentencing of real estate tycoon René Benko to two years in prison provided a temporary shift in editorial focus. However, by mid-afternoon and into the evening, the conscription controversy re-emerged as the primary narrative, with coalition partners expressing strong disagreement and trust breaking down.
