In the midst of a vigorous debate over reforms, the workers’ group within the Union parliamentary caucus is demanding a centrally directed social policy under the Federal Chancellery.
“I say that just as a resilient democracy requires a National Security Council, a stable welfare state also needs a central strategic leadership” Stefan Nacke, chair of the workers’ group in the CDU/CSU caucus, told the Tagesspiegel’s Monday edition. He argued that social security is a key element of the country’s internal stability.
Nacke therefore calls for a National Council for Social Security inside the Chancellery. “Such a body must strategically bring together the policy areas of labour and social affairs, health, families, housing and construction, and economy and finance, and coordinate cross‑departmental reform processes in collaboration with the Länder” he said.
He urges a “turning point in the welfare state” and comprehensive structural reforms. Nacke pointed out that public discussion has so far focused too heavily on external security, the military, and foreign policy, while domestic strategic government coordination is equally essential.
He warns that the welfare state is under significant pressure, citing challenges such as pension stability, rising health‑care costs, shortages of skilled workers, the transformation of the world of work, and a strained housing market as major stability questions for Germany. Though many commissions and expert panels are working on reform proposals, Nacke cautions that “without political bundling, clear prioritisation and strategic leadership, the next round of reforms will simply sink in incremental steps”.
