The Social Association Germany (SoVD) has warned that cuts to the social state are unacceptable in light of the rising poverty‑risk rate. “The figures send a clear signal that the social state must be strengthened” said SoVD chair Michaela Engelmeier to the “Rheinische Post”. While the wealth gap widens and more people fall below the poverty line, the divide between the rich and the poor is deepening further.
Engelmeier emphasized that any reductions in social protection cannot be considered. “Instead, we need a fair contribution from very large fortunes” she said. “Only then can people maintain the necessary security when they lose their job, fall ill, or otherwise are thrown off course”.
According to the German Federal Statistical Office, roughly 13.3 million people were living at incomes below the poverty‑risk threshold as of the most recent data released on Tuesday.
