Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his coalition are proposing a significant shift in Germany's labor laws by aiming to abolish the traditional eight-hour workday in favor of a weekly maximum working time.

This proposed change aligns with EU regulations, which set a maximum of 48 working hours per week without imposing a daily cap.

CDU Secretary General Carsten Linnemann supports this initiative, emphasizing the need for citizens to contribute more to maintain prosperity and highlighting the importance of productivity for social security systems.

The government plans to enhance productivity through measures like an 'active pension' and flexible work hours, which would particularly benefit families with children or caregiving responsibilities.

Support for the abolition varies significantly by political affiliation, with 64% of FDP voters, 59% of CDU/CSU supporters, and 56% of Green party supporters in favor, contrasting sharply with only 29% of Left party supporters who agree.

Public opinion on this proposal is sharply divided; a recent Ipsos survey reveals that 46% support abolishing the eight-hour workday, while 44% oppose the transition to a weekly maximum working hours.

Gender differences also emerge in the survey, with 49% of men favoring the change compared to 43% of women, who show more uncertainty about their stance.

Merz has faced criticism for suggesting that Germans work less than individuals in other countries, a claim attributed largely to the high proportion of part-time workers in Germany.

Currently, German law allows a maximum of eight hours of work per day, extendable to ten hours under certain conditions, ensuring that employees do not exceed an average of eight hours daily over a 24-week period.

Linnemann argues that while work-life balance is important, current attitudes seem to favor a life-life balance instead, reflecting the complexities of modern work expectations.

Educational background plays a significant role in shaping opinions; 55% of highly educated individuals support the abolition, while only 36% oppose it, compared to lower support among those with medium or low education levels.

Among SPD supporters, there is a split, with 47% in favor of the change, indicating a nuanced perspective within the party.