The German Families Association (DFV) has sharply criticized the reform plans for the Parental Allowance outlined by Federal Family Minister Karin Prien of the CDU.
Prien’s recently finalized proposals-which involve cutting the maximum duration for the allowance from 14 to 12 months while simultaneously increasing the mandatory partnership months from two to three-were described by DFV federal director Sebastian Heimann as a “heavy blow for young families in Germany.” Heimann stated to the “Rheinische Post” (Wednesday edition) that attempting to pass these drastic cuts as progress toward equality and partnership is nothing more than a political deception. He called upon the federal government to withdraw the legislative draft, asserting that the Parental Allowance must not be degraded into mere fiscal maneuvering.
Instead, the association demands a genuine increase in the allowance that compensates for inflation, along with a family policy that grants parents true freedom of choice, rather than constraining them into state-desired lifestyles through financial limitations.
This proposed cut contrasts with earlier electoral promises, as the SPD had vowed during the campaign to extend the Parental Allowance months from 14 to 18. Currently, the CDU and SPD coalition agreement focuses on providing stronger incentives for paternal involvement, such as boosting wage replacement rates and altering how the allowance months are split and counted. The plan also includes raising the income threshold, minimum, and maximum payout amounts, flexible calculation methods for the self-employed, and strengthening the rights of caregiving parents by introducing a dedicated Parental Allowance for them.
