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Merz

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Germany tightens sick-leave rules with first-day doctor's note
world6 days ago

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.

via BBC|
#cdu#germany#merz
Germany tightens sick leave rules, doctor's note required from day one
world7 days ago

Germany tightens sick leave rules, doctor's note required from day one

Germany will require a doctor’s certificate on the first day of illness for any sick leave, ending sick leave by phone, in a bid to curb absenteeism and boost the economy. The reforms, backed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, also raise the retirement age from 65 to 67 and give employers more flexibility to hire short-term workers; critics warn the policy could strain the health system and TV the country’s social protections.

via New York Post|
#economy#germany#merz
politics9 days ago

Germany’s governance crisis: World Cup fallout mirrors stalled reforms

A live-update piece argues that Germany’s governance crisis is mirrored by the national team’s World Cup exit, a weak economy with rising unemployment, infrastructure delays, and a faltering reform agenda under Chancellor Merz, all amid growing public cynicism and rising AfD support; the feed also includes geopolitical and domestic political notes, such as U.S. security handling around Iran and related commentary.

via Politico|
#economy#germany#governance
Germany’s World Cup Exit Signals a Domestic Governance Crisis
politics10 days ago

Germany’s World Cup Exit Signals a Domestic Governance Crisis

Germany’s 2026 World Cup defeat to Paraguay is framed as a symptom of broader governance problems: a faltering economy with auto-sector layoffs, weak growth, and stalled reforms, alongside low public approval for Chancellor Merz and rising support for the AfD. While some observers caution against fatalism, they note that only limited reforms—like a pension overhaul—offer a path forward.

via politico.eu|
#afd#germany#governance
Germany balks at Cyprus’ 2% EU budget cut, demands a more affordable reform plan
politics28 days ago

Germany balks at Cyprus’ 2% EU budget cut, demands a more affordable reform plan

Germany’s government blasted Cyprus’s proposal to cut the EU’s long-term budget by 2% as unaffordable and unbalanced, insisting on a reform-focused deal that prioritizes defense and competitiveness; Berlin aims to wrap up negotiations this year, warns that without an agreement funds for 2028 could be at risk, and signals openness to new revenue sources while rejecting a corporate levy.

via politico.eu|
#budget-negotiations#cyprus#defense-spending
Berlin ends FCAS fighter jet project, dashing Macron’s defense vision
world1 month ago

Berlin ends FCAS fighter jet project, dashing Macron’s defense vision

Germany and France have abandoned the multi-nation Future Combat Air System fighter jet program after deep industrial disagreements between Airbus and Dassault, delivering a major setback to Macron’s push for closer European defense integration. The fighter component, to replace Germany’s Eurofighter and France’s Rafale by around 2040 and linked drones and a combat cloud, is effectively dead, though partners may still pursue drones and cloud work or other cooperative projects like GCAP; Merz is expected to announce the decision at the ILA Berlin air show, reflecting the broader challenges of multinational defense programs.

via politico.eu|
#airbus-dassault-dispute#fcas#franco-german
Germany's UN Seat Bid Falls Short, Delivering Setback for Merz
foreign-affairs1 month ago

Germany's UN Seat Bid Falls Short, Delivering Setback for Merz

Germany failed to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, with Portugal and Austria taking the two Western European seats. Berlin blamed its stance on Israel and Russian opposition for the defeat, while Merz faces domestic criticism as a diplomatic setback undermines his bid to restore Germany’s leadership role. Portugal and Austria leveraged neutrality and multilateral diplomacy, underscoring shifting dynamics in global diplomacy.

via politico.eu|
#austria#foreign-affairs#germany
Merz pitches 'associate membership' to keep Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans in EU orbit
europe1 month ago

Merz pitches 'associate membership' to keep Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans in EU orbit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz calls for an 'associate membership' track for Ukraine, Moldova and Western Balkan candidates to sustain momentum toward full EU membership, offering participation in EU meetings, a seat in the College of Commissioners, non-voting Parliament representation and some Court of Justice involvement; a task force would study the legal and political feasibility. The European Commission welcomed the discussion but emphasized the goal remains completing accession, while blocages (notably Hungary and Bulgaria) and debate over the approach persist.

via The Kyiv Independent|
#eu-enlargement#europe#merz
Merz questions the US as a destination for his children amid polarization
world1 month ago

Merz questions the US as a destination for his children amid polarization

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz said he wouldn’t advise his children to go to the United States to study or work amid a polarised social climate, despite his admiration for America; the comments drew sharp backlash from Trump allies and underscored ongoing US–Germany tensions over Iran, Ukraine and NATO, though Merz reaffirmed commitment to the transatlantic relationship and said he spoke with Trump.

via The Guardian|
#germany-us-relations#iran-war#merz
Merz says he wouldn't advise his kids to move to the U.S. anymore amid rising U.S.-Germany tensions
world1 month ago

Merz says he wouldn't advise his kids to move to the U.S. anymore amid rising U.S.-Germany tensions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would not advise his children to move to the United States for education or work because of a worsening social climate there, signaling a cooling of Berlin-Washington ties amid public clashes with Donald Trump. The piece also notes Merz’s past leadership of Atlantik-Brücke, a recent cordial call with Trump, Germany’s limited role in NATO regarding the Iran war, and broader U.S. warnings about Europe’s political climate.

via politico.eu|
#germany#iran-war#merz
Merz’s comeback flounders as voters doubt reforms and AfD gains
politics1 month ago

Merz’s comeback flounders as voters doubt reforms and AfD gains

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s nationwide tour to shore up his flagging popularity is backfiring, with voters perceiving him as out of touch and doubting his ability to deliver economic reforms. Polls show 86% of Germans unhappy with the coalition, Merz’s own numbers are weak (about 24% think he can turn the economy around, 14% say he communicates effectively), and the far-right AfD is gaining ground in eastern Germany ahead of elections, complicating the government’s path forward. His emphasis on gradual reforms and business-focused outreach has not yet translated into broad public support.

via politico.eu|
#afd#economy#germany
Merz walks a fine line with Trump to soothe tensions
politics2 months ago

Merz walks a fine line with Trump to soothe tensions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pivoted back to a conciliatory approach toward Donald Trump, praising the U.S. president on key issues like tariffs and Iran policy while urging swift talks to de‑escalate tensions and salvage transatlantic ties, even as European ministers push for Europe to assume more NATO responsibilities and some SPD lawmakers advocate countermeasures against Trump’s threats.

via politico.eu|
#iran-war#merz#politics
Trump taunts Germany’s Merz as U.S. troop debate in Germany looms
world2 months ago

Trump taunts Germany’s Merz as U.S. troop debate in Germany looms

Donald Trump attacked German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, urging him to focus on fixing Germany and ending the Russia-Ukraine war, while hinting at a possible reduction of U.S. troops in Germany; Merz had criticized U.S. pressure amid Iran and called for a NATO-led solution, as German officials stressed Ramstein’s continued strategic importance and cautioned against overreacting to Trump’s threats.

via The Guardian|
#germany#merz#nato