Friedrich Merz announced the reform, which replaces the previous practice: until now, employees could stay home without a medical certificate until the third day of absence. The new system is intended to strengthen Germany’s economic output.
While employers welcome the change, the plans face fierce opposition from doctors and unions. Frank Werneke, head of the Verdi union, accused Merz of creating a “culture of distrust towards employees.” The German Association of General Practitioners warned of an “absolute catastrophe,” saying practices would be flooded with patients who should actually be resting in bed.
The reform is part of a larger package agreed by the black-red coalition of the CDU/CSU and SPD. It includes cutting bureaucracy, gradually raising the retirement age from 67 to 70, and tax cuts for low and middle incomes, financed by higher rates for incomes above 250,000 euros. “The long-awaited reform summer in Germany has finally arrived,” said ING economist Carsten Brzeski.
Source: www.unian.ua
