Daily brief
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated he intends to run for a second term as party chairman, facing a key test at an upcoming party conference. He is preparing for a visit to Beijing and criticized the economic policies of Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. Merz also mocked the AfD over a nepotism scandal involving family members working in party offices at taxpayer expense and suggested stricter laws against such practices.
The AfD faces nepotism allegations and an event ban in one state.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has clashed with judges over a court ruling that ordered compensation for the migrant rescue NGO Sea-Watch.
The German Air Force is projected to have 700 empty flights in 2025 due to a lack of available aircraft.
Frankfurt voters have rejected anti-car policies in a local election.