Warken Moves to Reexamine Telephone Sick Leave as Minister Casts New Doubt

Warken, responding to Merz’s comments, emphasised that the Chancellor’s observations are factual. She noted that, internationally, Germany’s sickness rate is high, but clarified that the criticism is not aimed at people who are genuinely unable to work because of illness. She added that, however, the low‑threshold phone‑sick‑certification system can be misused and must be examined to prevent abuse.