The Federal Government’s Tourism Coordinator, Christoph Ploß of the CDU, is supporting the retail sector’s call for relaxing current Sunday opening regulations. Speaking to Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Ploß stated that he can fully understand the arguments put forward by the German Retail Association (HDE) even from a tourism policy perspective. He argued that a portion of travelers deciding to visit Germany depends on the availability of attractive shops and purchasing options. Ploß noted that the current rules originated from a time before the widespread existence of online commerce. According to him, “More flexible opening hours would enable German retailers to compete with eternally available online retailers,” and such relaxed rules would also give a boost to German city centers.
In sharp contrast, the Social Association of Germany (SoVD) strongly criticized this approach. Michaela Engelmeier, the association’s chairwoman, issued a warning against weakening the protection of Sundays. She stated to the Funke-Mediengruppe that Sunday is protected under constitutional law and is far more than just an economic factor; it is an essential day for relaxation, family life, and social cohesion. While she agreed that Sunday work is necessary in areas crucial for public welfare, such as healthcare, police services, and transportation, she insisted that it must remain the exception in other sectors. Engelmeier emphasized that employees require reliable work schedules, genuine co-determination, and fair conditions, warning that “Flexibility cannot be a one-way street.” She stressed that any reform must consider not only the economic outlook but also the fundamental value of Sunday to societal cohesion and quality of life.
This debate over Sunday protection has gained new momentum following a recent agreement between the Union and the SPD in the Coalition Committee, which permitted longer opening hours on Sundays for bakeries, confectioneries, and libraries. With this measure, the coalition is implementing a resolution from their coalition agreement. In response, the HDE has renewed its demand for a broader liberalization of shop opening times. However, various trade unions and social associations are pointing to the fundamental protection of Sundays and holidays guaranteed by the Basic Law and the jurisprudence of the Federal Constitutional Court.
