Nurse Condemns Merz's Sick Note Plan as 'Complete Nonsense'

Nurse Franziska Böhler has strongly criticized plans by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to require a doctor's note from the first day of illness. In an interview with Der Freitag, Böhler called the proposal 'complete bullshit' and 'another kick downwards,' arguing that it places employees under general suspicion. The plan, which would affect millions of workers in Germany, is justified by Merz citing allegedly high sickness rates. Böhler, who works daily with staff shortages and overwork in hospitals, contends that the policy reflects a dismissive view of workers by politicians. The interview appears in the current issue of Der Freitag.