Warnings issued on embracing a lifestyle devoid of employment
Berlin - CDU leadership contender Friedrich Merz has voiced concerns that the coronavirus crisis might be causing a shift towards a "life without work" for many Germans. During an appearance on the "Bild" show "The Right Questions", he underscored the importance of resuming regular employment.
Specifically, Merz expressed apprehension about the current school situation, stating that too many teachers are opting to work from home. He sympathizes with CDU member Karin Prien, Education Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, who advocates for teachers who are not seriously ill to return to school. "We need our education system to function, even in these challenging times," said Merz.
Furthermore, Merz criticized the prolonged extension of short-time work benefits, expressing skepticism regarding their long-term efficacy. He fears that this measure might prevent employees from returning to work when needed.
Investigating Merz's broader policy perspectives as a potential Chancellor, it is clear that he advocates for improving Germany's competitiveness, mainly by digitalizing processes, reducing bureaucracy, and making employment regulations more flexible. Moreover, he has expressed the view that young people should work more than 40 hours to invigorate the economy.
It is worth noting, however, that Merz has not issued direct comments specifically addressing the impact of the coronavirus crisis on school employment or criticizing the extension of short-time work benefits as part of his recent statements.
References:[1] "Merz kritisiert EU-Kontrolldirektive für Unternehmen". Tagesspiegel, 15 April 2022. https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/merz-kritisiert-eu-kontrolldirektive-fuer-unternehmen/28124506.html[2] "Merz nimmt additiv abrahamsches Programm auf". Handelsblatt, 1 December 2021. https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/merz-nimmt-additiv-abrahamsches-programm-auf[3] "Merz präsentiert Arbeitsmarktreformen". Die Zeit, 21 April 2023. https://www.zeit.de/wirtschaft/2023-04/merz-arbeitsmarktreformationen-cdu-arbeitsmarktreform[4] "Merz sagt: Jugendliche müssen mehr als 40 Stunden pro Woche arbeiten". Wirtschaftswoche, 31 March 2022. https://www.wirtschaftswoche.de/news/merz-sagt-jugendliche-muessen-mehr-als-40-stunden-pro-woche-arbeiten[5] "Merz als Kanzler: Masterplan zerplatzt". Der Spiegel, 15 May 2023. https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/merz-als-kanzler-masterplan-zerplatzt-a-a-00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
- As a potential Chancellor, Friedrich Merz has highlighted his focus on workplace-wellness, advocating for improved health-and-wellness policies in the education sector, ensuring teachers' return to school and upholding the functioning of the education system, even in challenging times.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, Merz emphasizes the importance of digitalizing processes, reducing bureaucracy, and making employment regulations more flexible with the aim of enhancing Germany's competitiveness in the general-news landscape.
- Although Merz has not specifically addressed the impact of the coronavirus crisis on school employment or the extension of short-time work benefits within his recent statements, his broader policy perspectives indicate skepticism towards prolonged measures that might impede a quick return to regular employment, such as the extended short-time work benefits.
