Federal Minister for Housing, Verena Hubertz (SPD), defended the planned reductions to housing benefits, while simultaneously signaling that she is open to improvements during the parliamentary process. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Monday edition), Hubertz acknowledged the impact of the cuts, stating, “I know what this will mean for many people. And this will certainly remain a factor during parliamentary discussions. I explicitly support that.”
Nevertheless, Hubertz held firm on the fundamental direction of the policy. She explained that the federal budget as a whole is under considerable consolidation pressure, and her ministry is not exempt. Cuts were necessary department-wide, and adjustments to housing benefits were deemed the only viable way to achieve the required savings.
She stressed that this decision was not easy to make and that it affects her personally. For Hubertz, it is crucial to provide ongoing support to people in the country who work hard-or have worked hard-but still find themselves struggling financially at the end of the month, while simultaneously ensuring that the state remains capable of functioning in the future.
These proposed cuts have recently drawn criticism from the states, which have demanded that housing benefits be maintained and modernized for the future.
