The debate over the future of Commerzbank has intensified, with German opposition figures now calling for the federal government to sell its entire stake in the lender to Italian rival UniCredit.
The push comes as UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel has publicly urged direct negotiations with Berlin, signaling that the Italian group is prepared to move quickly if political will aligns.
The call for a full exit marks a shift in the political discourse surrounding the state's remaining shares.
Critics argue that a partial sale or prolonged state ownership creates uncertainty that undermines the bank's strategic position.
By handing control entirely to UniCredit, proponents believe the lender can stabilize its operations and protect employment levels across Germany, which have been a central concern in the ongoing merger talks.
UniCredit has been pursuing Commerzbank for months, with Orcel previously warning that a lack of clarity could lead to job cuts and branch closures.