The Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group has strongly rejected calls for blanket cuts to the parental allowance (Elterngeld). “Family policy cannot be a quarry for short-term budget consolidation; it must remain reliable and predictable” stated Dagmar Schmidt, the Vice-Fraction Chair responsible for family affairs, to “Der Spiegel”.
Schmidt clarified that while the SPD is open to discussing reforms that further enhance equitable partnership in parenting, she stressed that “blanket cuts must definitely be avoided” noting this is also an expectation for the responsible minister. This minister refers to Karin Prien of the CDU, but the criticism also applies to SPD colleague Lars Klingbeil. The Federal Minister of Finance has mandated several ministries, including Prien’s household, to find billions in savings to patch budget gaps.
Schmidt further emphasized that the parental allowance represents a “genuine success story of modern family policy”. It not only gives parents the necessary freedom to focus intensively on their child during the initial months of life but also promotes the shared distribution of caregiving responsibilities, thus strengthening long-term gender equality between mothers and fathers.
While acknowledging the financial difficulties facing the federal government, Schmidt insisted that the coalition partners must jointly determine “how to find solutions in a truly challenging budget without weakening the social infrastructure”. She argued that this conversation must also address who should bear greater responsibility. “It is fair and reasonable to require those with the strongest shoulders-meaning people with very high incomes and significant wealth-to contribute more heavily” the MP asserted. “This way, we create room for future investments without burdening families”.
Steffen Krach, head campaigner and SPD top candidate in Berlin, echoed this call for a change in spending priorities. Telling “Der Spiegel”, he questioned how he could explain to people that Germany is allocating 300 million euros to reduce the flight tax, yet no 300 million for parents and children. “This is about priorities, and my priority is not a flight ticket that is 2.50 euros cheaper, but the support of families” the social democrat continued. He warned, “Anyone who cuts family funding is sawing off the future of our country”.
