SPD criticizes plans for parental allowance and sick notes

In Germany on 8 July 2026, the SPD parliamentary group criticised parental allowance plans by Karin Prien. Alexander Schweitzer also criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz over sick notes.

Merz spoke about the results of the NATO summit in Ankara, saying they exceeded his expectations and that the summit will give NATO new impetus. He praised NATO cohesion and Donald Trump. RIA Novosti quoted him as saying the era of 'freebies' for Europeans in NATO is over. Erdoğan gave Merz an unusual gift at the summit.