Germany tightens sick-leave rules with first-day doctor's note

Germany plans to require a doctor's certificate on the first day of illness and end phone-based sick notes, returning to pre-pandemic rules as Chancellor Merz says sick days are too high. The move is part of broader economic reforms but drew opposition from medical groups and some SPD members who warn it could overwhelm doctors' waiting rooms and complicate absences; Labour Minister Bas says she will study the impact and seek workable solutions.