A political storm is brewing in Germany over the future of part-time work. The ruling CDU party wants to end the legal right to reduce working hours, calling it “lifestyle part-time”. Workers would need permission to go part-time. Supporters argue the change is needed to fix labour shortages and revive growth. Critics warn it punishes vulnerable workers, especially women. With part-time jobs now over 40% of Germany’s workforce, this proposal could reshape the country’s labour market — and raise difficult questions about work, autonomy, and economic recovery.