Germany Debates Public Holiday Abolition as Economic Proposal Faces Strong Opposition
Economists suggest removing a holiday to boost productivity, but Bavarian leaders and Catholic Bishops reject the idea over cultural and religious concerns.
- Economists, including Clemens Fuest of the Ifo Institute, advocate for abolishing a public holiday to increase economic output and help finance Germany's multi-billion euro debt packages.
- Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder and the CSU firmly oppose the proposal, citing the cultural and religious importance of holidays in Bavaria, which has the most public holidays in Germany.
- The German Catholic Bishops' Conference also rejects the idea, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural loss that would result from removing Christian holidays.
- Economic estimates suggest that an additional workday could increase Germany's GDP by up to 0.1%, but critics question whether this would sustainably address the nation's financial challenges.
- The Bundesrat is expected to approve the relaxation of Germany's debt brake, potentially intensifying discussions on economic reforms, including work hour adjustments.
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