(R-L) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, German Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Baerbel Bas and German Minister for Research, Technology and Aerospace Dorothee Baer attend a two day retreat meeting of the German cabinet on August 25, 2026 in Neuhardenberg, northeastern Germany. (Photo by Liesa Johannssen / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)