Bundesminister Karin Prien of the CDU has called on young people planning protests in major cities this weekend to engage peacefully. Speaking to “Stern,” she insisted, “Be loud. Engage in parties, but do not be violent,” adding that violence only harms their own cause. She extended an invitation to anyone who wishes to remain peaceful to engage in a dialogue, affirming that the youth’s concerns are legitimate.
Prien drew stark contrasts between Germany and neighboring France, particularly regarding recent violent unrest in France. She cited significant differences in the German educational system, noting that schools there are in better condition, classes are smaller, and teachers are better paid. Furthermore, she stressed that Germany possesses a functional vocational training system and a much lower youth unemployment rate compared to France.
“In Germany, we talk with young people before barricades burn. That is my principle,” the Family Minister stated. She argued that German citizens do not need to take to the streets for concessions, as the necessary structural prerequisites already exist. In line with this, she announced plans to invest four billion euros specifically in educational facilities, introduce an AI tax, and reverse existing cuts to parental allowance (Elterngeld) and supplementary support payments for young adults.
Additionally, Prien is urging swift implementation of the pension reform. She warned that failure to quickly and consistently adopt the proposals from the pension commission would leave the state with insufficient fiscal room, potentially resulting in the government spending almost exclusively on pensions, social services, and interest payments by 2030. She stated her intent to prevent the young generation from being neglected.
Concluding her remarks, the minister advised the younger generation not to be misled by either the extreme right or the extreme left, pointing out that the black-and-red pension reform would allow for more financial security in old age.
