Economic expert Monika Schnitzer has advocated for a greater involvement of fathers in parental leave. In conversations with major newspapers, she stated that the idea of linking the payment of parental allowance more closely to a partnership-based distribution of care duties is fundamentally sound. However, she simultaneously issued a stern warning against any reductions to the benefit. Sneering at the government’s budget-cutting proposals, Schnitzer remarked, “I simply do not understand this discussion.”
Recently, the Minister for Family Affairs, Karin Prien (CDU), had proposed strengthening the tie between parental allowance payments and an equal split of parental leave between mothers and fathers. Amid current austerity measures within the ruling coalition, discussions regarding modifications to the parental allowance are ongoing.
Citing Sweden as a successful model, Schnitzer noted that where mandatory “father months” are established, more fathers participate in parental leave and employers are better equipped to handle this change. “We are still far from that in Germany. A partnership-based division should therefore be welcomed,” she asserted.
Despite her support for shared responsibility, Schnitzer strongly opposed any cuts to the allowance itself. She stressed that since its introduction, the parental benefit system has generated a fundamental cultural shift. She contrasted this with thirty years ago, when parents essentially faced two choices: remain out of the workforce unpaid for several years or return to work after just a few weeks. Today, many women are returning to their careers after about a year-often starting in part-time roles. “This has sustainably changed the career trajectories of women,” she explained.
Instead of cutting the allowance, Schnitzer pleaded for an increase. She argued that the benefit amount has significantly decreased when adjusted for inflation, stating, “An increase would be the right step in my view. Undermining this successful model would be a mistake.”
