SPD and Greens Criticize Merz’s Comments on Child Support Cuts, Calling It Offensive to Single Parents

Friedrich Merz (CDU) faced significant criticism from affected associations, the political opposition, and his own coalition partner following his defense of planned cuts to the child support allowance. Speaking at a press conference in the summer, Merz argued that improved childcare provisions could enable single parents to work more.

Daniela Jaspers, the Federal Chairwoman of the Association of Single Mothers and Fathers, strongly denounced the Chancellor’s stance. She told the newspaper that the impression Merz gives-that single parents are not working enough-is “a slap in the face” to them.

Jasmina Hostert, the SPD parliamentary spokesperson for family affairs, argued that Merz should not frame the allowance as a substitute for inadequate employment. Instead, she stressed that it serves its true purpose: as a foundational element that compensates for support lost whenever one parent fails in their responsibilities. Hostert firmly stated that the children of single parents should not be used to consolidate state budgets.

Ricarda Lang (Greens), a social policy expert who grew up with a single mother, delivered a harsher critique. According to her, the Chancellor is essentially saying, “They just have to work more.” Lang contrasted this approach with the political styles of Angela Merkel, who possessed nuanced judgment, and Olaf Scholz, who earned respect. She concluded that Friedrich Merz displays a peculiar mixture of empathy coupled with a lack of clear ideas.