The Green Party’s parliamentary group leaders, Katharina Dröge and Britta Haßelmann, have put forward a comprehensive cooperation proposal for reforming the social state. In a position paper that the “Spiegel” reported, the two MPs say that now-especially during times of crisis and uncertainty-a broader consensus on major reforms is needed.
They draft a “Immediate Programme for the Future” aimed at overhauling the pension and health systems. The paper argues that, although the classic role of the opposition is to critique the government, it would be worthwhile to explore whether, beyond the usual partisan differences, there is enough interest and momentum to develop a joint reform programme.
The Greens also signal readiness to discuss a constitutional amendment as part of the reform package. “To make a fundamental overhaul of the social state possible, a change to the Basic Law is necessary” they write. “We are prepared to talk seriously about this”.
Dröge and Haßelmann identify several areas that urgently require action. They claim Germany’s health system is inefficient and overly expensive, with high social insurance contributions that do little to improve patient care. The shortage of skilled workers poses a major challenge to both the social system and the economy. Additionally, they point out that nursing home placement costs are so high that people with ordinary incomes can hardly afford them.
