The German Social Association (SoVD) welcomed the stance of the newly appointed Federal Health Minister, Carsten Linnemann (CDU), regarding his intention to prevent cuts to pension contributions for family caregivers. During his inaugural speeches, Linnemann drew attention to this matter, telling the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland that his refusal to accept reductions in pension entitlements for those who provide care is an important gesture to start his term.
However, the SoVD’s head, Michaela Engelmeier, emphasized that while this is a positive step, future reforms in health and care must fully adopt this principle and ensure that the interests of those affected are not overshadowed by purely budgetary constraints. Engelmeier also noted that Linnemann’s belief that a financing solution is possible under budget pressure demonstrates that social solutions can be achieved when there is sufficient political will.
Linnemann had explicitly stated his opposition to proposed cuts in pension benefits for family caregivers. The CDU politician told Bild am Sonntag, “I do not want to save money on pension contributions for caregivers.” This statement positioned him against plans initiated by his predecessor, Nina Warken (CDU), which were put forward in response to an expected billion-euro deficit in the long-term care insurance fund. Currently, long-term care institutions pay pension contributions for people who are being cared for by family members, and these contributions were previously targeted for cuts.
