The Union party is maintaining a skeptical stance regarding an increase to the BAföG student aid. Florian Müller, the Union’s spokesperson for research policy, told the “Rheinische Post” that while he understands the desire for greater support among students, apprentices, and trainees, the current pressure on the federal budget cannot be ignored. Across all political sectors, fundamental questions are being raised about what the state can realistically afford to deliver right now.
Müller clarified that the discussion surrounding BAföG centers on the question of whether and how much the standard need rates should be raised, rather than whether cuts should be made. He noted that economic experts have recently issued strong warnings about the potential consequences of rising social contributions. He added that “the expansion of state benefits cannot be done divorced from the overall economic situation.” Ultimately, this matter will need to be discussed with coalition partners as part of the comprehensive decisions made during the consultations for the 2027 federal budget.
