Germany news: Union slams Audi CEO for joining Trump at campaign rally, while Chancellor Merz and President Steinmeier embark on separate Asia tours

Germany's IG Metall union chief calls Audi CEO Gernot Döllner's appearance alongside Donald Trump "deeply embarrassing" The union says Döllner breached Audi's political neutrality rules Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Singapore, Japan and South Korea Here is a roundup of top stories from and about Germany on Monday, October 26, 2026: Tired of missing our real-time updates? Click here to add DW as a Preferred Source on Google. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier are departing on separate Asian tours to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. Merz will visit Singapore , Japan and South Korea on his longest overseas trip since taking office, accompanied by a high-level business delegation.