The Left party has leveled sharp criticism against the planned day-care law put forth by Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU). Speaking to the “Rheinische Post,” Linken parliamentary group leader Heidi Reichinnek stated that despite escalating costs and massive demand for more places, alongside the federal government’s obligation to ensure equal living standards, the minister is now proposing cuts to day-care facilities. Reichinnek argued that the proposed draft would only succeed in undershooting already low expectations.
According to Reichinnek, the federal government is essentially ignoring the core problems, attempting instead to distract the public with its “family-unfriendly” policy under the guise of “Startchancenkitas.” She dismissed the marginal improvements allocated to ten percent of day-care centers as a mere drop in the ocean, claiming they do not compensate for the existing disadvantages. Furthermore, Reichinnek described the language tests within the facilities as absolutely useless, especially since any insights gained from them cannot be acted upon due to a lack of appropriate support staff and necessary specialized personnel.
The Left parliamentary leader emphasized that the current staff in day-care centers are already aware of the specific needs of the children in their care. However, they are prevented from offering concrete support because the facilities are chronically understaffed. She concluded that the new legislative draft will therefore change absolutely nothing regarding the actual situation on the ground.
