Following questioning of the increase in BAföG-a measure agreed upon in the coalition contract between the CDU and SPD-by CDU Group Leader Jens Spahn, CDU committee member Wiebke Winter has mounted vocal resistance. The leader of the CDU parliamentary group in Bremen told the “Focus” that the BAföG increase must proceed.
The current debate centers on the housing subsidy (Wohngeldzuschuss), which is proposed to increase from 380 to 440 Euros. Winter argued that living costs have risen dramatically, a trend she noted is not limited to Munich or Hamburg but is equally severe in Bremen. She stated that finding a decent room for only 380 Euros is becoming nearly impossible.
Furthermore, the CDU politician opposes any cuts to the parental allowance (Elterngeld), arguing against such measures by pointing to the high costs associated with pension expenditure. According to her, cutting this allowance would send a completely false message to the younger generation, who are ready to make great personal sacrifices to ensure the pensions of their elders.
“In the coming years, we are spending 120 billion Euros to raise pensions, a desire particularly championed by the SPD. The parental allowance only requires 350 million Euros per year” Winter countered. She stressed that the parental allowance is of immense importance for families, particularly for highly qualified women.
