Many Germans believe former Chancellor Merkel more capable in tackling Germany's challenges than Merz

Nearly half of Germans view former Chancellor Angela Merkel as better suited to handle Germany's challenges than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Also, today is the last day of Oktoberfest in Munich. DW has the latest.

48% of Germans say former Chancellor Angela Merkel is more suited to deal with Germany's challenges than current Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Meanwhile, Merz is visiting Kyiv as Ukraine faces a fifth winter of Russia's invasion

On Saturday, Germany's leaders gathered in the northern city of Bremen for official festivities marking Unity Day

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned that Germany's democracy is being challenged again, pointing to the threat from right-wing extremism

The national holiday commemorates October 3, 1990, when the former East Germany joined the Federal Republic of Germany

This blog is now closed. Read below for a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, 2026:

Tired of missing our real-time updates? Click here to add DW as a Preferred Source on Google.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was back in the spotlight Sunday as she signed postcard prints of her official portrait that was unveiled earlierin the year.

Visitors stood in queues at the Bode Museum on Berlin's Museum Island to grab a copy. The museum is home to many works by old masters as well as her portrait.

In the portrait, that was unveiled this July, Merkel is wearing a blue version of one of her signature colorful blazers that became a visual hallmark of her 16-year chancellorship.

Merkel appeared to be donning a similar jacket while she signed postcards on Sunday too.