The Chairperson of the Left Party, Ines Schwerdtner, has strongly criticized the social policies of the current federal government, arguing for a mandatory contribution system for all societal groups. She stated in an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” that everyone, including high earners and private insurance beneficiaries, must contribute solidarily to the nursing care insurance.
Schwertdtner highlighted the severe financial burden facing seniors who require institutional care, noting that those entering a nursing home today must typically pay an average of €3,364 per month out of their own pockets-a cost that is unaffordable for many retirees. She asserted that the Merz administration has essentially undermined the care insurance system.
The Left Party chairperson accused the coalition of slashing benefits and forcing these costs onto ordinary citizens while leaving high incomes untouched. She described the government’s inaction as shameful. She demanded that if the government intends to take the recent election results and public anger seriously, it must immediately halt its current course of cuts.
In her view, following the rollout of citizen benefits (Bürgergeld) and the passage of the Health Insurance Contribution Stabilization Act, a new wave of social cuts is approaching. She characterized this as a fervent attack on the social security system that will significantly deepen poverty in Germany. Schwerdtner observed that after the sick were targeted, the federal government is now abandoning those needing care and their relatives.
She stressed the absurdity of the situation: “We live in a country where you have to pay over €3,000 extra out of pocket for a nursing home with a pension of only €1,200. That is indefensible.” Although many people have worked their entire lives, they find themselves unable to afford necessary care in their old age. Family members are forced to step in, drawing from savings or providing care themselves. Schwerdtner reiterated that a government merely watching this happen is inadequate.
Instead of providing relief, the federal government is imposing austerity. She argues that benefits are being stripped away, access is being complicated, and necessary support is being delayed. Ultimately, the message remains the same: pay more yourself and receive less support. Those with sufficient wealth can afford private care, while those with limited funds are left to struggle alone.
Schwertner contends that in every supposed reform, this government targets the vulnerable-employees, pensioners, families, and care recipients-while its zeal for reform only stops at the top ten percent. High earners, significant wealth holders, and private insurers are exempt from the tightening measures.
“We do not need another austerity hammer; we need a fundamental change in direction,” she concluded. “Everyone must contribute solidarily to the nursing care insurance, including affluent individuals and private insurers. A federal government that prefers to cut provisions for those needing care rather than touching the privileges of the wealthy has forfeited all social credibility. If the Merz administration truly wishes to address the election outcome and the growing anger in the country, it must cease its course of austerity measures first.”
