SPD Faction Leader Matthias Miersch declined pressure from advocates demanding a widespread liberalization of Sunday trading hours in the retail sector. Speaking to the newspapers of Funke Media Group, Miersch stated that arrangements concerning Sunday work times have already been established in the coalition agreement and reaffirmed within the reform package-specifically citing bakeries. Consequently, he views no existing reason to pursue the discussion of more extensive changes.
This reluctance comes as a response to a push by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). Its President, Peter Adrian, advocated for an amendment to the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) to permanently resolve the legal framework regarding sale-open Sundays. Adrian argued that the Federal Constitutional Court’s current basis for Sunday protection, which derives from the Weimar Constitution’s reference to “spiritual elevation,” seems unsuited to modern times. At the same time, the DIHK pushed for a broad liberalization of trade regulations, suggesting that merchants should have the autonomy to decide whether or not to open on Sundays in response to the competition posed by online commerce.
Miersch disputed this line of argument. When asked if increasing the number of Sunday openings would strengthen brick-and-mortar stores, the SPD politician answered in the negative, asserting that he does not believe the issues facing physical retail can be resolved by allowing more hours on Sundays.
The debate surrounding Sunday protection gained momentum following decisions made by the Coalition Committee. The federal government currently intends to permit longer Sunday hours only for specific businesses, such as bakeries, confectioners, and libraries. Achieving broader modifications to the constitutionally protected Sunday ban, however, would require a two-thirds majority in both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat.
