The leaders of the FDP and CDU agree that there is too little work being done in Germany. Politicians also agree on the reasons for this reduced working hours, demographics, and part-time work for women.
The Institute for German Economic Research sees it differently. It says that despite the economic downturn, more than ever, 55 billion hours were worked in Germany in 2011. The previous low point was 47 billion hours in 2005, according to the DIW. The German economy is too weak to generate taxes and social security contributions, said Merz. In addition to reducing bureaucracy and tax incentives for companies to invest, Lindner also advocates for reforms in the labor market. The study was published by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) on Thursday on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund's spring meeting. The DIW says that more and more women are working in Germany, but almost half of women in Germany work part-time.