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German Merz government reform agenda 2026
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1 DAYS
16 FACTS
1 EVENTS
1 SOURCES
FIRST ENTRY JUL 02
JUL 02 · Day 1
Merz unveils sweeping reform push for Germany: tax cuts, pension overhaul, sick leave rules
Under the new rules, employers would be able to ask for a doctor's certificate from the first day a person is on sick leave.
The tougher rules for sick leave would no longer allow employees to call in sick to work for up to three days without seeing a doctor.
The measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle-income families, an overhaul of the pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave, and a reduction of bureaucracy.