Overview
- A spokeswoman for Angela Merkel told dpa that no invitation is on record and that travel abroad would prevent her attendance.
- The CDU/CSU parliamentary group is staging a Nov. 11 reception in the Reichstag’s Protocol Hall to mark Friedrich Merz’s 70th birthday.
- Invitations to Union Bundestag members have been sent, organizers expect roughly 300 guests, and Union minister-presidents are slated to be invited next.
- A group spokesman, cited by one outlet, said Merkel is expected to be invited as a former faction leader, though her office has not registered an invitation.
- One report specifies Israel as Merkel’s destination, and coverage notes Merz will be the first chancellor over 70 since Adenauer against the backdrop of their long‑strained relationship.