Several major business associations in Germany—including CDU-adjacent small entrepreneur group Die Familienunternehmer and the Association of Bavarian Business (VBW)—have called for a reduction in public holidays, citing declining church membership and stagnant economic performance.
Claudia Sturm, vice president of Die Familienunternehmer told SWR, “Many people are no longer in church and benefit from these most important religious holidays. I think we can abolish one of them.” Sturm argued that canceling a religious holiday could help boost productivity.
The VBW took the suggestion a step further, naming specific holidays they believe could be eliminated: Easter Monday, Whit Monday, or Boxing Day.
Protestant regional bishop Heike Springhart warned against abandoning key Christian traditions, stating that holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are “fundamental components of religious life.” Catholic bishops also voiced concern, while Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (CDU), pushed back against the idea.
Public sentiment appears to favor preserving the current calendar. According to a recent representative YouGov survey, 73% of respondents oppose cutting public holidays. Moreover, 75% believe these days bring economic value, particularly through tourism and the hospitality sector.
