Germany's main Christian Democratic Union (CDU) business wing has proposed stopping the legal right to work part-time. Currently, every worker in Germany can choose part-time work without special permission. Many, especially women, work part-time to handle childcare or care for elderly family members. But the CDU’s business group, representing small and medium companies, says the economy needs more full-time workers. Chair Gitta Connemann told Stern magazine, “Those who can work more should work more.” The proposal, expected to pass at the CDU's conference in Stuttgart next month, will become official party policy. It fits with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent criticism of Germans’ work habits. Merz warned that Germany’s wealth cannot be kept with “a four-day week and work-life balance.” He also accused some workers of faking illness to avoid work too easily. The CDU motion allows exceptions for people raising children, caring for relatives, or improving skills through training. But others should not have the right to part-time work without permission. The idea faces criticism within the CDU. Dennis Radtke, head of its social wing, said it was the wrong priority. He noted many part-time workers get less pay and fewer career chances. Radtke said better childcare and eldercare are needed so people can work more if they want. IG Metall union boss Christiane Benner said the problem is not the workers' willingness but poor working conditions. Data from Germany’s Institute for Employment Research shows part-time jobs reached over 40% in Q3 2025, rising due to health, social work, education, and less manufacturing. About 76% of Germany's part-time workers are women, similar to the UK and France. The OECD said last year Germany’s economy suffers partly because women and older people are not fully included in work.