Heidi Reichinnek, the leader of the Left faction, criticized the Kindergarten Law introduced by Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU), as well as the Greens’ proposal for a mandatory pre-school year. Reichinnek stated that “Kindergartens are on the verge of collapse, and Minister Prien stands by while her new law cuts federal funding for early childhood education. It is unimaginable how a federal government can push through such an anti-future policy,” she told “Welt.”
The Left demands that the federal government finally contribute more significantly to the Kita system’s financing. This requires increasing federal funds legislatively and introducing an additional investment program for new construction and renovations. Reichinnek argued that the education sector must move away from a ban on cooperation and transition to a requirement for cooperation. While the federal government is responsible for ensuring equal living conditions, she criticized the Länder and local communities for being left to handle the burden alone.
Regarding the Greens’ call for a mandatory pre-school year, the faction leader insisted that Kitas should fundamentally be contribution-free, not just for a single year. This requirement should also include free, high-quality lunch for all children. However, she stressed that instead of distracting the debate with mandatory years, action must first be taken to address the current shortages in places and staffing. The Greens had previously demanded the introduction of a mandatory, contribution-free final year in Kita before school for all children in Germany, alongside permanent financial support from the federal level.
In contrast, Michael Hose (CDU), a family politician from the Union faction, argued that the planned law is sufficient. He defended the necessity of standardized tests-covering language, self-regulation, and motor skills-for four-year-olds, asserting that these tools are foundational for targeted support and improved educational opportunities. According to Hose, the law finally transforms the kindergarten into a true educational institution, and a mandatory attendance requirement for all is unnecessary since most children already go to kindergarten. His focus remains on ensuring that those children who need support receive it, which the law achieves. Concerning financing, Hose noted that the Länder determine the status of fee-free participation, but his law provides “financial stability” until 2034 by updating the federal funding rules.
The SPD coalition partner also hailed Prien’s law as an important step. Jasmina Hostert, a policy spokesperson, stated that it enhances the quality of early childhood education, targets specific child needs, and strengthens support in socially vulnerable areas, thereby helping all children achieve fair start opportunities through early education.
However, Hostert criticized the Greens for their indecisiveness. She pointed out that while the SPD supports fee-free Kitas and has removed fees wherever the state government is involved, the Greens backed away from both fee-free enrollment and the mandatory final Kita year in Baden-Württemberg. She stated that while she personally supports a mandatory final Kita year, it requires overcoming significant legal hurdles, and critically, needs sufficient places, enough qualified staff, and consistently high quality first.
Meanwhile, the AfD strongly rejected the mandatory Kita year demanded by the Greens. According to their family politician Martin Reichardt, parents must have the autonomy to decide how they manage professional work and childcare. This autonomy must include readily available, high-quality care options and financial recognition for familial caregiving services. Reichardt highlighted the AfD’s demand for a care allowance until a child turns three, which would financially support parents who care for their young children, and also advocated for the promotion of grandparent care.
