The president of the German crafts sector, Jörg Dittrich, is calling for a fundamental overhaul of the nation’s social security systems, citing unsustainable financial pressures. In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland network, Dittrich emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the current framework.
A key area of concern is the escalating burden of ancillary labor costs, which Dittrich stated have surpassed previously acceptable limits. He explained that what was once considered a maximum of 40% above base wages is now significantly exceeded, with further increases anticipated. This increasing financial strain, he warns, is particularly challenging for craft businesses, which are typically labor-intensive.
Dittrich advocates for increased efficiency within the social security system and a greater emphasis on individual responsibility. Addressing the broader societal debate about potential adjustments to benefits, he acknowledged that such discussions are unavoidable. He underscored that a single solution won’t suffice, requiring wholesale reevaluation and innovative thinking across the entire system.
Warning against prolonged inaction, Dittrich cautioned that delaying necessary reforms could lead to more radical, potentially destabilizing, solutions being proposed. He implicitly urged centrist political parties to proactively engage in the necessary reform conversations.
