DGB head Yasmin Fahimi has sharply criticized the statements made by research minister Dorothee Bär (CSU) regarding the planned Bafög reform. On Monday during the ntv show “Pinar Atalay,” Fahimi stated that she found the remarks “unsightly.” She conceded that the Bafög rates and eligibility requirements clearly need to be adjusted to meet current realities.
Fahimi highlighted a worrisome trend: young people from non-academic households are facing diminishing chances of pursuing higher education. “We observe that those coming from non-academic backgrounds have fewer and fewer prospects of going to universities,” she said. A primary factor driving this decline is whether or not they can afford it-a development she deemed unfavorable.
Furthermore, the DGB leader countered accusations that the younger generation has an easier time than previous cohorts. “I think it is truly a skewed perspective on this generation,” Fahimi argued. She pointed out that these students have dealt with the aftermath of Corona, faced extreme obstacles in their schooling, training, and studies, and are often involved in extensive volunteer work. The pressure they encounter in education is significantly higher than before. She concluded with a plea, asking people not to judge this generation with a condescending air, particularly from the demographic of Baby Boomers.
