Germany

Alexander Schweitzer has moved from his role as Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate to become the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. He replaces Bärbel Bas, who recently resigned her ministerial post and party co-leadership. The reshuffle comes at an awkward moment for the governing coalition; the federal SPD and Greens are already distancing themselves from the ongoing coalition negotiations in Berlin.

The Chancellor is finding little more harmony abroad than at home, arriving at the EU summit on a collision course with Brussels regarding the future of Ursula von der Leyen. Meanwhile, opposition leader Friedrich Merz is challenging the EU budget, with the article arguing he should hold firm on financial contributions to protect the nation's ability to assert itself.

Former leaders are also making their presence felt. Angela Merkel has voiced reservations about the country’s current political trajectory, while Gerhard Schröder has drawn new criticism from within his own party for his continued ties to Russian companies. Domestically, the mood is further strained by reports of rising urban rents and a solar surcharge that industry groups claim will punish businesses.