In a contentious move, the German coalition government has announced plans to require workers to present a doctor's note on the first day of their illness, a change from current rules that only necessitate the note for absences exceeding three days. The proposals, agreed upon by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Party (CDU) and his coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD), aim to address high rates of sick leave in Germany. Critics, however, argue that these new measures could lead to overcrowding at doctors' surgeries and potentially exacerbate the spread of infection. The KBV, a national association representing statutory health insurance physicians, has called the plan "madness," while the Association of General Practitioners warns it will fill waiting rooms with minor cases. The Vice-Chancellor, Lars Klingbeil, is seeking "workable solutions" to alleviate concerns, but Labour Minister Bärbel Bas, also from the SPD, has expressed reservations about the requirement for a doctor's certificate on the first day of illness. The changes are part of broader tax, labor, and pension reforms intended to stimulate Germany's economy.