The proposal by CSU leader Markus Söder to extend working hours for employees has met with sharp resistance from within the ranks of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), highlighting a growing ideological rift within German conservative politics. Dennis Radtke, chairman of the CDA (Christlich-Demokratische Arbeitnehmerschaft), the CDU’s labor wing, directly criticized Söder’s suggestion in an interview with the Handelsblatt, arguing that such policies demonstrate a profound disconnect from the realities faced by working families.
Radtke asserted that the notion of a “lazy German” is a misguided fallacy, emphasizing Germany’s exceptional productivity levels, even factoring in significant part-time employment. He highlighted that the prevalence of part-time work stems from the necessity for families to reconcile work and childcare, a shift he characterized as a fundamental societal evolution. “What was once referred to as ‘housewife’ is now a working mother because it’s simply no longer viable to do otherwise” he stated, implicitly questioning Söder’s understanding of contemporary life.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of flexible working arrangements, Radtke emphatically cautioned against policies that would exacerbate the burdens on employees. He stressed that the aim of flexibility should be to facilitate a better work-life balance, rather than simply increasing output. Radtke’s critique leveled a pointed accusation at Söder, suggesting that his proposals reflect a perspective skewed entirely towards the interests of employers, thereby undermining the social foundation of the German economy. The CDA leader concluded his remarks with a sarcastic jab, accusing Söder of a performative act that successfully blended traditional Bavarian populist rhetoric with the pronouncements of a business lobbyist. The exchange underscores a widening debate within the CDU regarding the future of work and the priorities of the conservative bloc in addressing the evolving challenges of the German labor market.
