The proposals of the government commission for reforming the welfare state have received support from the trade unions.
It is good that the commission has focused on structural reforms, said DGB president Yasmin Fahimi to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” in its Wednesday issue. “Benefit cuts have been ruled out and would be inappropriate in a time of ever tighter budgets and growing inequality”.
The federal government now has the chance to restart the social‑state debate and steer it away from divisive tendencies. “We need reforms that make life easier and better for people” Fahimi added. “Child benefit without paperwork for parents – such ideas we welcome – and the digitalisation of social administration is a real step forward”.
The promises are large, but many proposals will hinge on the details of implementation. The DGB will continue to monitor the process critically and expects that unions will be fully involved in the subsequent proceedings.
