17:52⇢Merz and the Unsettled Vote
⌨German media continues to focus heavily on the political fallout from the failed constitutional judge election and Chancellor Merz's response. Newspapers report Merz downplaying the event and dismissing "conspiracy theories," while also backing Jens Spahn on social policy, stating the "system does not work" (Berliner Zeitung, FR, Tagesspiegel). This ongoing internal friction within the government and the Union remains a dominant theme, with discussions about parliamentary independence and criticism of Merz's stance (FAZ, Spiegel). Minor attention is also given to military aid for Ukraine (merkur.de) and domestic education policies (Welt, TAZ).