Germany ‘is no longer productive’: Chancellor Merz’s old video criticising work-life balance and four-day week goes viral

An old video of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz saying that Germany is “no longer productive enough” has gone viral and triggered a fresh debate over working hours, productivity and the country’s economic troubles. The video began circulating widely on social media after Merz’s visit to China earlier this year. In the clip, the German leader draws a comparison with China and questions whether Germany can maintain long-term prosperity while prioritising shorter working weeks and work-life balance.

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