German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for unity between the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, at a CSU party conference. He again ruled out any form of cooperation with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland and warned of what he described as a continuing threat from Russia.

He also warned coalition partner SPD against joining a Berlin state government with the Left party, Die Linke. One report said he made a subtle reference to his own position during the gathering.