German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (C) and German Minister for Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth Karin Prien pose with laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a reception of laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a reception of laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during a reception of laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a reception of laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz listens during a reception of laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz listens during a reception of laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during a reception of laureates of the federal contest "Jugend forscht" 2026 (Youth researches) at the chancellery in Berlin, on September 15, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images)