A Nation of Slackers? Why Friedrich Merz Wants Germans to Work More

Germany must work more, demand economy and politics. The abolition of a holiday would be symbolic politics – and overlooks the true potential of the country.

The Germans work less than the citizens of many other industrialized countries – and are more often ill. Work-life balance instead of a performance culture: Has the relationship between Germans and work changed? Benedict Neff, NZZ-Ressortleiter International, and Sven Preger, podcast head of the NZZ, discuss about work ethic, declining productivity and the demands of the Germans.

Chancellor Merz criticizes four-day week and work-life balance. A study indicates that people in many other industrialised countries work more, but it is sometimes misleading.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised more dynamism in the government district. Countable results are to be achieved by the summer break. The ministers most important for the economy present themselves so far differently ambitious. WORLD analyses what is possible as soon as possible.

Even in the opposition, the CDU in particular laments the supposedly low desire of the Germans to work. A recent study seems to confirm this. In the OECD comparison, Germany is in third-last place. The Germans have done more hours than ever before.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz demands that the Germans should work more. Indeed, working time in this country is significantly lower than elsewhere.