Merz’s party vows to clamp down on Germany’s ‘lifestyle part-time work’

The business wing of Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) is proposing to restrict the legal right to part-time work, arguing it exacerbates the country's skilled worker shortage. The proposal, expected to become official CDU policy next month, aims to encourage those capable of working more hours to do so, although exemptions would be made for individuals with childcare, eldercare, or professional development responsibilities. CDU chair Friedrich Merz has criticized Germans' work ethic, advocating against a focus on work-life balance. The proposal has faced internal opposition, with the CDU's social wing arguing that inflexible employers and inadequate support for childcare and eldercare contribute to the perceived "trap" of part-time work.

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