Overview
- Saxon workers alone fund the holiday through a 0.5 percentage-point surcharge to the long-term care insurance, averaging roughly €200 per year, while employers pay no extra share.
- A proposal to split the cost between employers and employees was dropped from the federal coalition agreement; SPD Saxony blames the CDU for blocking the change as business groups warned of higher labor costs.
- Churches marked the day with expanded digital offerings, including EKKW’s online prayerbook and video counseling, an ARD‑televised service from Melsungen, and an EKHN service centered on a public confession toward queer people.
- Beyond Saxony’s public holiday, Bavaria gives all pupils the day off and Berlin allows evangelical students to be excused, with communities offering childcare, courses and cultural events, and Saxon cities listing holiday medical and pharmacy services.
- A YouGov survey reported by KNA found that 60% in Germany say the day has no religious significance for them, highlighting low public attachment despite continued observances.