Germany’s High Sick Leave: Merz Faces Backlash & Expert Demands
Frankfurt am Main – Criticism is mounting against Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent comments on Germany’s high rate of sick leave, with a former manager publicly challenging the Chancellor’s assertions and calling for a fundamental shift in workplace health management. The debate, unfolding on the social media platform Threads, has quickly gained traction, attracting over 100,000 views and sparking a wider discussion about the causes of and solutions to, employee absenteeism.
Chancellor Merz, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has argued that Germany’s economic performance is hampered by a high number of workers on sick leave. His statements have drawn fire from across the political spectrum and, increasingly, from within the business community.
The initial challenge came from a user identifying himself as a former manager with 47 years of experience. In a post published January 18, 2026, the user asserted that his experience in corporate health management revealed that the vast majority of physicians adhere to ethical standards when issuing sick leave certificates. He claimed to have encountered only two doctors during his career who readily provided unnecessary sick notes, and that he successfully addressed the issue in collaboration with medical associations.
The former manager also took issue with the concept of “Karenztage” – waiting days before sick pay kicks in – which have largely been phased out in Germany. According to the Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz (EFZG), employees are now generally entitled to full pay from the first day of illness. The user argued that Karenztage incentivize sick employees to arrive to work, potentially exacerbating the spread of illness and reducing overall productivity. He advocated for initiatives focused on improving workplace health and atmosphere, suggesting that such measures would lead to fewer sick days and increased output.
The debate quickly expanded beyond the initial post, with numerous users sharing their perspectives. A business owner with 24 employees described creating a positive work environment where employees feel comfortable taking sick leave when needed, without fear of repercussions. This approach, the user claimed, has resulted in high productivity, revenue, and profits. The comment received over 1,200 likes.
The discussion also highlighted the often-overlooked health challenges faced by women in the workplace. One user pointed out that many women continue to work through significant pain, such as menstrual cramps, relying on over-the-counter medication to cope. This comment garnered over 1,100 expressions of agreement.
Another user, a train conductor, directly addressed Chancellor Merz, questioning whether he would accept service from a visibly ill employee. The implication was that pressuring sick workers to come to work compromises both their health and the quality of service provided.
Friedrich Merz assumed the office of Chancellor on May 6, 2025, and is also the current chairman of the CDU, having previously held the position of CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2022 to 2025. His son, Dr. Joachim Philippe Merz, born in 1981, is a philosopher and co-founder of the Thales Academy, a center for interdisciplinary dialogue and ethical reflection. He has largely remained outside the public eye, focusing on academic pursuits while his father navigates the political landscape.