The summer interview with CSU leader Söder in fact check

Markus Söder, leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU), was the subject of an interview during the ARD Summer Talk, held on August 2nd, 2026. The discussion covered key issues such as the automotive industry, economic challenges facing Germany, and personnel matters within the Union. While many of Söder's statements were largely accurate, some claims required closer examination, particularly regarding the number of deportations and proposed changes to sick leave regulations. During the interview, Söder claimed that the German government would “now make a very, very strong” effort in terms of deportations. However, official data contradicted this assertion. According to figures released by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), the number of individuals deported from Germany in the first half of 2026, between January and June, was 9,663. This represents a decline compared to the same period in 2025, which saw over 11,800 deportations. The trend has been downward since 2022, with the total number of deportations in 2025 reaching approximately 22,800, down from more than 20,000 in 2024, 16,400 in 2023, and nearly 13,000 in 2022. The ministry further noted that additional individuals have voluntarily left the country with state support. In the first half of 2026, 9,276 people were assisted in leaving, compared to around 16,000 in the previous year. Although there was an increase in voluntary departures, the overall numbers for both deportations and supported exits remained stable relative to the prior year. In another part of the interview, Söder addressed plans to reintroduce mandatory medical certificates for sick leave starting from the first day of illness. He stated that the current system had reverted to the pre-pandemic rules. Under the Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz, employees must provide proof of their inability to work from a doctor by the fourth day of absence. However, employers may request this documentation earlier. During the pandemic, a telephone-based sick leave system allowed individuals to notify their doctors via phone, reducing administrative burden. The government aims to phase out this method, replacing it with mandatory written attestations. This change has drawn criticism from medical professionals who warn of increased workload and potential delays in care. As of now, the legislative process for these reforms is still ongoing, and the measures remain under discussion. The proposed changes aim to address rising absenteeism rates in Germany. Data from the German sickness funds (Betriebskrankenkassen) show that average days of incapacity rose from 18 in 2016 to about 20 in 2025. Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office indicate that in 2025, the average was 14.6 days. Experts suggest that factors such as lifestyle and working conditions contribute to these trends. These developments highlight the complex interplay between policy reform and public health concerns. As discussions continue, the impact of these proposed changes on both workers and healthcare systems remains a topic of debate.