Labor Reform

Merz Urges Germans to Work More, Cites Greece as Model Amidst Backlash

Friedrich Merz has urged Germans to work longer and harder, citing limited working hours and high sick leave as detrimental to economic growth. He pointed to Greece, which has a longer average working week, as a model for increased productivity. However, Merz faces domestic opposition and limited political power to enact significant labor reforms, as Germany grapples with rising unemployment and declining industrial output.

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Saudi Arabia Abolishes Kafala: New Rights for Millions, Implementation Challenges Remain

The Saudi government has announced the end of its Kafala system, a decades-old labor framework that bound migrant workers to their employers. This significant reform, slated for implementation in June 2025, will grant an estimated 13 million foreign workers greater freedom. The ability to change jobs and exit the country without sponsor consent marks a crucial step toward improved worker rights and increased mobility within the Kingdom.

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