Overview

• Gitta Connemann, the federal government’s SME commissioner from the CDU, proposed abolishing the Reformation Day public holiday to increase work volume, arguing churches are largely empty on that day.
• Reformation Day on 31 October is a statutory holiday in nine northern and eastern states, highlighting regional differences that complicate any nationwide change.
• Connemann also urged an end to telephone-based sick notes, citing high sick-pay costs for employers of about €82 billion per year and comparatively high sick-leave rates.
• Her remarks follow Chancellor Friedrich Merz noting Pfingstmontag could theoretically be a candidate, while affirming there is no societal consensus and the holiday will remain.
• Employer-aligned analyses estimate GDP gains of roughly €5–8.6 billion from an extra workday, but the IMK found no consistent benefit from past holiday cuts and a YouGov poll reported 73% oppose removing holidays.