Weidmann highlighted that shareholders would need to bear Unicredit’s internal issues, including a significant exposure to the Russian market. Unicredit submitted an official acquisition offer for Commerzbank in early May and has since secured nearly 39% of voting rights. The German government, holding approximately 12% of shares, opposes a hostile takeover, as does Commerzbank itself. This information was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on May 20, 2026.