Remarks by Research Minister Dorothee Bär (CSU), stating that a fast-tracked reform of the student financial aid program BAföG is no longer likely, have caused friction within the coalition partner SPD.
Wiebke Esdar, the deputy chairwoman of the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized on Sunday that the coalition factions had previously agreed on a BAföG reform plan designed to introduce greater flexibility, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and increase both housing allowances and standard stipends. She confirmed that this agreement was based on the coalition contract and remains in effect. Furthermore, she noted that Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) had already secured the necessary funding.
Esdar strongly dismissed Bär’s statements as “simply incorrect and inaccurate” asserting that the SPD stands united in support of implementing the agreed BAföG reform to benefit future skilled workers. She urged the Union to avoid causing chaos and adhere to the resolutions reached through intensive, constructive negotiations. According to Esdar, unilaterally abandoning the jointly agreed BAföG reform would harm young talent, Germany’s innovation potential, local companies, and the democratic fabric of the coalition and society as a whole.
Bär had previously told the Funke media group that she had heard reports that the reform was no longer supported by the governing factions. The original plan was for the reform to take effect in the winter semester of 2026/27. While Bär expressed understanding for a potential stoppage, she argued that it was justifiable not to promise major additional benefits elsewhere if people were having to cut costs regarding healthcare or if cuts were made to parental allowances (Elterngeld).
She also characterized the situation for students in Germany as highly privileged, noting that there are no tuition fees and the state enables many young people to begin their studies. Bär added that it is “no drama” if students work alongside their studies, as many gather valuable professional and life experience. According to her, all students enjoy semester breaks, and the system is not a “full-coverage degree” requiring students to contribute their own effort. She mentioned she herself worked during her studies.
The Green Party also criticized these comments. Misbah Khan, the Green Party’s deputy group leader, called the suggestion of scrapping the BAföG reform a “political embarrassment”. She stated that saving money on the education opportunities of young people is synonymous with sacrificing opportunities for the future workforce. Khan emphasized that since young people represent the future of the country, BAföG must account for rising living and housing costs to reach more students. Implementing austerity measures in this area, she warned, would be fatal.
