Germany's Coalition Deal Gives Libraries and Bakeries More Sunday Hours, Imposes Day-One Sick Certificates
Published on 07/03/2026 at 12:31 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Public libraries across Germany will soon be allowed to open for up to six hours on Sundays, as part of a sweeping reform package agreed by the country's coalition leadership. The change applies only to libraries that function as cultural, educational and community hubs—a condition that Culture of State Minister Wolfram Weimer welcomed as a step forward.
But the German Library Association (dbv) is far from satisfied. Holger Krimmer of the dbv criticised the time cap, warning it creates a two-tier system compared with museums and sports venues. In North Rhine-Westphalia, similar Sunday openings have been possible since October 2019.
Bakers and pastry shops also stand to benefit. Under the new rules, they may open for as many as eight hours on Sundays. The German Bakers' Confederation praised the move, while the Catholic Workers' Movement (KAB) voiced fears it would erode protections for the day of rest.
A crucial caveat remains: the federal rule governs working-time law only. Regional shop-closing statutes—such as Bavaria’s current three-hour Sunday limit—can still impose stricter trading hours.
The package tackles far more than retail. The coalition said it aims to "loosen shackles on the labour market" with a series of employment-law changes. From the start of 2027, fixed-term contracts without a material reason can last up to 48 months, with as many as six renewals permitted. High earners bringing in roughly €15,000 per month will see easier dismissal rules, and severance payments will receive tax advantages.
What is likely to affect the broadest number of workers, however, is the abolition of the telephone sick note. From 1 January 2027, employees must obtain a doctor's certificate from the very first day they are unable to work—a requirement that ends the pandemic-era practice of remote certification.
The Federation of German Employers' Associations (BDA) applauded the package. Trade union ver.di and the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) sharply criticised it. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition plans to debate further adjustments to working-time law over the summer.
On the fiscal side, low and middle earners will see annual tax relief of up to €600. Funding comes from higher rates for top earners: a 45% tax kicks in at annual income of €250,000, rising to 47% at €280,000.
Structural reforms extend to social security. The government will introduce a capital-based pension (“Kapitalrente”) and raise the retirement age—though no specific figure has been announced. In healthcare, the coalition aims to unburden statutory health insurers by €16.3 billion. An added provision bans the expropriation of rental apartments, a 34-point reform plan’s final touch.
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