Health Minister Linnemann proposes cutting post-COVID child sick-day allowance to pre-pandemic level

The Federal Health Minister, Carsten Linnemann, announced his intention to roll back the special COVID-era child sick-day rule, lowering the entitlement from fifteen to ten days per child and parent. He contends that the higher figure originated during the pandemic and should be removed as a special measure. The SPD’s family policy spokesperson, Jasmina Hostert, argued that the change would burden families and contradict the party’s commitment to support parents.

Green parliamentarian Johannes Wagner labeled the justification as "cynical" and highlighted that the fifteen-day allowance had been extended beyond the pandemic because it proved useful. SPD leader Manuela Schwesig also voiced strong opposition, stating the proposal is unacceptable. Under current law, the fifteen-day entitlement remains in force for 2026, with single parents permitted up to thirty days.