New Delhi, July 2 -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined a 34-point package of pension, tax and labour reforms on Thursday to "cut red tape" and boost growth, jobs and competitiveness.

"We are working to cut red tape. We are working to protect our welfare state, and we are working to ease the burden on employees and companies by lowering taxes," Merz said, adding that the government aimed to pass the main elements of the package through parliament by the end of the year.

However, for the German workers, it means no more sick leaves without a medical certificate.

In an effort to reduce days lost through sick leave, under the new labour market reforms, German workers would not be able to call in sick by telephone, according to Reut...