Joachim Rock, CEO of the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, has issued a warning regarding potential plans by the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs for a new civil service, fearing that such measures could displace existing voluntary services. Speaking to Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Rock stressed that the principle of voluntariness must fundamentally take precedence over any mandated obligation.
He argued that committed individuals are necessary in social services, meaning that voluntary services should be strengthened, and social professions should be made more appealing. Should the legislature introduce a compulsory service obligation, it must be structured in a way that does not sideline voluntary services, offering young people equally favorable conditions. From the outset, the experiences gained through voluntary work and the interests of young people must be prioritized in any such design.
The Greens also strongly support enhancing voluntary services. Sara Nanni, the security policy spokesperson for the Green parliamentary group, told the RND that young people are currently capable of and are actively supporting social providers through voluntary service. However, she criticized that the federal government has continually reduced the financial resources allocated to these programs in recent years, noting that the need far exceeds the available funds.
Nanni further suggested that instead of debating the reintroduction of mandatory duties, it would be more appropriate to revise the budget draft and significantly increase the funding designated for voluntary services.
