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3mo ago

German Business Groups Propose Cutting Christian Holidays to Boost Growth

Surveys show most Germans value holidays for tourism and rest as industry leaders warn that fewer free days could strengthen Germany’s economic competitiveness.

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Christi Himmelfahrt oder „Herrentag“? Christliche Feiertage hätten an Bedeutung verloren, argumentieren Wirtschaftsverbände
Feiertage. So sehen viele Gotteshäuser auch am Sonntag aus. Immer mehr Deutsche treten aus der Kirche aus. Symbolbild: IMAGO / Sven Simon

Overview

  • Die Familienunternehmer and the Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft have proposed abolishing Easter Monday, Pentecost Monday or the second Christmas Day to stimulate GDP.
  • Rainer Neske, CEO of Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, has urged cutting one or two public holidays to sharpen Germany’s competitiveness in global markets.
  • A YouGov survey finds 73% of Germans oppose any reduction in holiday days and 75% believe public holidays support sectors such as tourism and dining.
  • Leading church figures, including evangelical Landesbischöfin Heike Springhart, contend that Christian festivals form an essential part of cultural and religious life.
  • Critics warn that removing holidays may offer only a short-term productivity boost and fails to address deeper economic challenges like sluggish growth and rising corporate insolvencies.