Germany’s new sick leave regulations spark outrage among family doctors and opposition parties.

The German government has introduced new sick leave rules requiring employees to visit a doctor from the first day of illness and eliminating the option for telephone sick notes. Markus Blumenthal-Beier, head of the German Family Doctors Association, criticized the changes as ‘absolutely catastrophic,’ warning of a massive bureaucratic burden on medical practices.

The reform package has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and mixed reactions from industry leaders. While some, like Employers’ Association President Rainer Dulger, see the measures as overdue and beneficial for competitiveness, others, including the Taxpayers’ Association, have expressed disappointment over the lack of substantial tax relief. The package also includes increased taxes for high earners and measures aimed at supporting families.