Germany Faces Sharp Criticism Over Proposal to Cut Benefits and Extend Working Hours

Recent proposals to extend working hours and reduce social benefits in Germany have sparked widespread debate, drawing strong objections from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a coalition partner in the government.

Lars Klingbeil, SPD leader, Finance Minister, and Vice-Chancellor, rejected demands from the Christian Union led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stressing that reducing workers’ rights and undermining the welfare state is not the way to strengthen the economy.

Klingbeil stated, “I absolutely do not support the persistent notion that undermining the welfare state and workers’ rights will strengthen our economy; I see this as the wrong approach.”

The controversial proposals include eliminating the ability to request sick leave by phone, restricting part-time work rights, and cutting social benefits, all aimed at stimulating the economy amid weak economic performance and rising government spending.

Meanwhile, SPD co-chair Bärbel Bas defended the welfare state, describing the ideas to eliminate basic social rights for workers as an attack on employee protections.

She emphasized that SPD proposals aim to fairly fund the health and care sectors by including capital gains and rental income alongside wages and salaries, reducing contributions without compromising workers’ rights.

This debate comes at a time when Germany faces intense discussion over social benefit reforms and the welfare state, with Chancellor Merz stating last summer that the welfare state, as currently known, is no longer financially sustainable under the country’s present economic performance.

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