German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (C) poses with German Minister for Agriculture Alois Rainer (CL), German Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building Verena Hubertz (CR), member of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) Nils Schmid (5R), German Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Alexander Schweitzer (R), German Minister for Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth Karin Prien (L) German Minister for Research, Technology and Aerospace Dorothee Baer (2L), German Minister for Justice and Consumer Protection Stefanie Hubig (3L) and regional apple queens ahead the cabinet meeting in Berlin, on October 14, 2026. (Photo by Bernd von Jutrczenka / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)