Germany's Merz government proposes day‑one sick‑note rule, draws criticism from politicians and doctors

The coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz plans to end the telephone sick‑note and require employees to present a medical certificate from the first day of illness. The measure is part of the broader GKV reform package (Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz) that also introduces a partial‑sick‑leave (Teilkrankschreibung) system in which employers can veto the reduced‑capacity work.

Green politician Ricarda Lang has denounced the proposal as a “Schnapsidee”, warning it could increase sick days and urging Merz to speak with practising GPs. CDU figures such as NRW Minister‑President Hendrik Wüst echo doctors’ concerns, cautioning that practices could be overwhelmed and calling for clarification. SPD members Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil stress a pragmatic rollout, while the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KBV) warns of up to 30 million extra practice visits. AOK chief Carola Reimann calls the change “pure symbol politics”.

The reform also distinguishes civil servants, who might be exempt under existing statutes, prompting the public‑service union to label the plan an “ärgerlicher Misstrauensbeweis”. The debate remains unresolved as the government prepares to vote on the legislation.