Two stories are dominating Germany's news cycle and both carry real weight for anyone living here as an expat or immigrant. First, former Chancellor Angela Merkel has stepped into the spotlight ahead of a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, urging voters to actively defend democratic values. Second, German businesses paid out a record sum to employees on sick leave last year — a development with potential ripple effects for workers across all sectors, including the many foreign nationals employed in Germany.
Angela Merkel, who led Germany for sixteen years before leaving office, has publicly called on voters to "stand up" for democracy ahead of the election in Saxony-Anhalt. Her intervention comes as the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) leads the polls in the eastern German state.
For expats and immigrants, the political direction of German regional governments matters. Parties differ significantly on integration policy, funding for language and social programmes, and the tone they set toward foreign nationals living in their regions. A strong AfD result in Saxony-Anhalt could influence policy debates at the federal level and shape the broader climate for people who have made Germany their home.
Merkel's call is notable precisely because she has generally stayed out of active political commentary since leaving the chancellery. Her decision to speak now underlines how seriously many in the political mainstream view the current moment.
In a separate development, German companies paid out a record sum to employees on sick leave last year, according to reporting by DW. While the exact figure is not detailed here, the scale is described as unprecedented.
This matters for foreign workers for several reasons. Germany has strong legal protections for employees who fall ill — workers are generally entitled to continued pay during sick leave, and employers bear a significant share of that cost. A record payout signals that sick-leave rates remain high across the economy.
If you are employed in Germany, it is worth understanding how sick-leave rules work in your contract and sector. Employers facing rising costs may introduce wellness initiatives or adjust working conditions, which could affect your workplace environment. It is also a reminder that Germany's social protections — including sick pay — apply to most workers regardless of nationality, provided they are legally employed.
These two stories together paint a picture of a Germany at a crossroads: politically, as mainstream voices push back against far-right momentum, and economically, as the cost of supporting the workforce reaches new highs. For expats, both trends are worth watching.
On the political side, election results in eastern German states often feed into national conversations about immigration and integration. On the economic side, record sick-pay costs could influence hiring decisions, contract structures, and employer attitudes toward workforce health — all of which touch the daily working lives of foreign nationals.
Regional election results do not directly change your legal rights, which are set at the federal level. However, regional governments can influence how integration programmes are funded and delivered, and the political climate in a state can affect everyday experiences. If you have concerns about your specific situation, consulting your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified immigration lawyer is always advisable.
In general, employees who are legally working in Germany are covered by the same sick-pay rules as German citizens. Your employer is typically required to continue paying your salary during a period of illness, up to the limits set by law. Your Krankenversicherung may also provide additional benefits. For precise details relevant to your contract and situation, speak with your employer's HR department or consult a labour lawyer.
Stay informed about regional election outcomes — they can shift the broader political conversation on immigration and integration. If you are employed in Germany, familiarise yourself with your sick-leave entitlements by reviewing your employment contract and speaking with your Krankenversicherung. And if you are concerned about how a changing political landscape might affect your residence or work status, reach out to your Ausländerbehörde or seek advice from a qualified legal professional.
Source: DW English
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