Germany's Merz to present agenda in first Bundestag address DW 05/14/2025
Briefly

In his inaugural speech, Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Germans to make significant efforts to restore the nation's competitiveness, emphasizing the importance of working efficiently rather than embracing a four-day workweek. He referred to a recent amendment allowing flexibility in work schedules, part of the coalition agreement with the Social Democrats. Despite this potential flexibility, Merz argued maintaining the 40-hour workweek is crucial for prosperity. With a recession looming, he pushed for swift implementation of these changes as Germany's economy is projected to contract for a third consecutive year.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need for a 'tremendous effort' from Germans to enhance the country's competitiveness, stating that a four-day workweek isn't sustainable for prosperity.
Merz stated, 'We need to work more and, above all, more efficiently in this country,' highlighting the urgency of the current economic challenges facing Germany.
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