Former Chancellor Merkel emerged from silence to criticize Scholz's conduct following the constitutional court ruling, describing his response as lacking dignity. This intervention coincided with the formal resolution of SPD's leadership crisis, as the party confirmed Scholz's chancellor candidacy after Pistorius's withdrawal.
By midday, economic challenges intensified with Bosch announcing 5,500 automotive division job cuts and VW's battery manufacturer Northvolt facing bankruptcy despite €1.6 billion in subsidies. The Bundesrat approved Lauterbach's hospital reform, marking a rare coalition success.
Evening coverage focused on mounting nuclear tensions, with experts describing Putin's nuclear doctrine changes as unprecedented. Berlin faced international scrutiny over police statements about Jewish "no-go areas" and legal discussions regarding potential Netanyahu arrest warrants. Baerbock's personal announcement of separation from her husband closed the news cycle.