SPD leader Lars Klingbeil defended the coalition's reform package in the ARD summer interview and called for pragmatic implementation of the sick leave rules.
In the Berlin studio on Sunday, Klingbeil spoke about the 34 measures agreed by CDU, CSU and SPD. He acknowledged burdens for people but stressed that doing nothing after 20 years of reform backlog would be the worst option.
On the controversial sick leave rules, the vice chancellor advocated company or collective agreements. Employees do not need to obtain the certificate on the first day, he said.
Regarding the 2027 federal budget, Klingbeil announced that the cabinet wants to approve the draft on Monday. The higher new debt serves to arm the Bundeswehr, he explained with regard to Russia.
