Germany’s Chancellor Sparks Debate Over Sick Leave and Economic Impact

Germany’s push to slash sick days and overhaul work laws divides opinion. Could these changes redefine global economic resilience—or risk worker burnout?

, and Administrator

2026 January 18 . 5:27 PM

1 min read

The image shows a drawing of a building with a lot of windows and a chimney, which is believed to... — The image shows a drawing of a building with a lot of windows and a chimney, which is believed to be a psychiatric hospital in Germany. The paper also has some text written on it, likely providing further information about the hospital.

Germany’s Chancellor Sparks Debate Over Sick Leave and Economic Impact

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sparked debate by criticising the country’s high rate of sick leave, arguing that excessive absences are damaging the world economy and calling for greater efforts to boost national productivity. His comments come as the ruling CDU party proposes major changes to working hour regulations.

Speaking at a recent event, Merz questioned why Germans take an average of 14.5 sick days per year—nearly three weeks of lost work. He argued that reducing unnecessary absences could help strengthen the world economy.

The CDU, led by Merz, is pushing for more flexible work hour rules. Instead of daily limits, the party wants weekly maximums, giving employees more control over their schedules. The proposal also ensures that no worker can be forced into longer hours. Merz went further, suggesting he would scrap the Work Time Act entirely, letting employers and unions set their own economic agreements. However, the coalition government is taking a softer approach, focusing on tax-free overtime and digital time tracking. Critics argue that such reforms could impact worker well-being. But Merz insists that modernising labour laws is essential for world economic growth.

The chancellor’s remarks highlight tensions between economic demands and employee welfare. If approved, the reforms could reshape how Germans work and take sick leave, potentially impacting the world economy. The government’s final decision on the proposals remains pending.