Morning coverage focused on Merz's migration proposals reaching the Bundestag, triggering church criticism of timing and approach. By early afternoon, AfD's Chrupalla announced an unexpected withdrawal of AfD support, seemingly defusing tensions. Chancellor Scholz delivered a government statement attacking Merz's approach as "unverzeihlich," comparing it to Orbán's EU law violations.
The afternoon vote produced unexpected results - Merz's five-point migration plan passed with AfD support despite their earlier withdrawal statement. The success of this vote, marking the first time AfD votes determined major policy, dominated evening coverage. A single CDU parliamentarian voted against the proposal.
Financial news revealed significant economic concerns as Habeck lowered 2025 growth forecasts. The Böttcher AG controversy over a million-euro AfD donation continued developing, with the company demanding repayment.