German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Germans to work harder, criticizing the workforce for excessive sick leaves and low hours worked as he seeks to revitalize Germany's stagnant economy amid an electoral year.
In a bold and controversial move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Germans to stop being lazy and to take inspiration from the work ethic exemplified by the Greeks. This statement has stirred a political debate as Merz faces mounting pressure to invigorate Germany's economy, which has been stagnant for an extended period. With regional elections approaching, his message seems to echo the traditional values of hard work and diligence, yet it is met with skepticism about its effectiveness in the current political climate.
Merz pointed out that the German workforce, estimated at about 46 million, is not working enough hours and is taking disproportionate amounts of sick leave, which he believes are hindering economic progress. As the country endeavors to recover from economic challenges, his remarks have sparked discussions around work culture and productivity within Germany. Critics of Merz’s messaging argue that labeling workers as
