Sozialleistungen: Sozialbündnis ruft Regierung zu Stopp von Kürzungsplänen auf

A broad coalition of trade unions and welfare organizations has called on the German government to abandon planned cuts in various social areas. The Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB), the trade unions IG Metall and Verdi, Caritas and Diakonie, as well as welfare associations like the VdK write in a joint statement that "social cohesion is a prerequisite for democratic stability."

They specifically criticize the care reform plans approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. The planned change in the classification of care grades would, in their view, make it more difficult or impossible for those affected to access care insurance benefits. Eugen Brysch from the German Foundation for Patient Protection also harshly criticized the government, stating that the Federal Health Minister wants to set "proscription of thought" on the care commission on key issues.

Even constitutionally proposed proposals for merging statutory and private care insurance would be met with a rejection from Carsten Linnemann (CDU), who had announced that the planned expert commission would examine models for social balancing mechanisms between the schemes. However, the social security for care costs at home should not be a topic there.

The government plans to react to the increase in the number of care-dependent individuals with stricter criteria for care grades. A relief amount for everyday helpers in care grade 1, such as cleaning (131 euros), is to be abolished, while a new claim for care support is to be added. The draft will now be discussed in the Bundestag.

The organizations warn that the adequacy of care for those in need and the painstakingly earned staffing of facilities, which depends on the mix of care grades, could be jeopardized. They express concern that the government may implement further cuts in areas such as rent, child allowance, maintenance, or child, youth, and integration aid.

"Fundamental democratic significance" The Social Alliance includes 14 other organizations, including the Social Association of Germany (SoVD), the Joint Parity Union, and others like the BUND and the German Women's Council. The social state has "not only a social and economic, but also a fundamental democratic significance," warns the alliance.

Social welfare reforms must arrive in everyday life, at work, and at home. The organizations call for strong, reliable, and equitably financed social security systems, with high wealth and inheritance taxed appropriately.