The Association of Taxpayers (Bund der Steuerzahler) is calling for a realignment of the parental benefit system. According to Reiner Holznagel, the association’s president, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, led by Karin Prien (CDU), must also implement savings measures. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Holznagel stated that “every department is required to save, including the Family Ministry. A repositioning of the parental benefit is therefore almost unavoidable, as the era of taboos in the budget is over”.
He added that while government austerity measures are necessary, they should not unduly burden taxpayers or their family plans. Holznagel stressed that families need to be “particularly protected and supported”. This protection could take the form of tax advantages or enhanced bonuses within the social security systems that are financed through contributions from future workers.
Minister Prien faces a mandate to cut 500 million euros from her ministry’s budget by the year 2027.
