According to a poll carried out by the opinion‑research institute Forsa, German citizens, despite criticism from Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), largely want to keep the telephone‑based sick‑certificate system. In the survey commissioned for the magazine “Stern” and the TV channel RTL, 62 % supported maintaining the system while 35 % called for its abolition.
Support is strongest among 18‑to‑29‑year‑olds, where 85 % favour the system. In the 30‑to‑44 age group 66 % are in favour, whereas among those over 60 only about half back it.
Regarding employment status, 69 % of salaried workers support the regulation, whereas self‑employed respondents are split, with 55 % wanting it discontinued.
Political affiliation also shows clear differences. Support is strong among followers of the left‑wing party, the Greens and the SPD. The Union (CDU/CSU) is divided, while supporters of the AfD overwhelmingly oppose it.