CDA condemns German coalition's sick‑leave and housing‑benefit reforms

The Christian Democratic Workers' Union (CDA), led by its federal chairman Dennis Radtke, criticised the governing coalition’s recent reform package on sick‑leave certification and housing allowance in Germany. While acknowledging that the coalition’s reform agenda demonstrates political hand‑skill, Radtke said the valuable parts of the package are being "buried under the debris of the sick‑leave debate."

He argued that the real issue with absenteeism is not "slackers" but long‑term ill workers, and that the discussion has become overly emotional, suggesting many employees "simply don’t want to work." Radtke also attacked the planned €5 billion increase to the mother’s pension, saying it does not reach those truly in need, and warned that cuts to the housing allowance budget amid rising rents would hurt vulnerable households. He called for "focus on priority needs instead of ‘wish‑you‑could‑have‑it’ bargaining" and urged the coalition to prioritize the greatest social needs over political negotiations.