Federal Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has expressed concern that both federal and state cabinet colleagues do not adequately recognize the importance of early education for attracting skilled workers. Speaking to the FAZ (Wednesday edition), she stated, “Despite the constitutional framework of competences and the tight budgetary situation, I wish for more courage and greater awareness among cabinet members in the Union and the Länder.”
In this context, she advocated for reducing spending on higher education while simultaneously increasing investment in kindergartens and primary schools. “This would mean shifting funds-from the tertiary sector to the primary sector,” she explained, adding that every Euro invested in early childhood education yields a double or triple return.
Prien also announced that an agreement between the federal government and the states on a data-based development strategy for schools and teaching will be available by the end of the year, aimed at improving educational results. However, she criticized the SPD, claiming they continue to refuse to agree on spending cuts regarding the maintenance allowance and parental benefits. “If the old regulations remain in force, half a billion euros will be missing from my budget starting next year, and I cannot generate this money from other areas,” Prien warned.
