Caritas President Urges Radical Shift in German Government’s Austerity Strategy
BERLIN, GERMANY – In a scathing critique, Caritas President Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa has lambasted the German government’s austerity strategy, calling for a radical overhaul to address the demographic crisis. Welskop-Deffaa, in an interview with the Tagesspiegel, likened the government’s approach to a “red pen policy of yesterday” where each ministry is expected to balance its own budget by cutting expenses.
The Caritas leader emphasized the need to treat the demographic shift as an extraordinary challenge, akin to the country’s defense strategy. “No one expects the Defense Minister to hold back on drones simply because they can’t afford tanks” she said. Similarly, Welskop-Deffaa argued, it is impossible to finance a future-proof care system by dismantling hospitals.
Welskop-Deffaa’s remarks come as the government prepares to introduce a new military draft, with parallels in civil protection and social services. She stressed the importance of all three pillars being treated equally from the outset, with the same level of recognition and appreciation for those who ensure national security, social cohesion, or care for the elderly.
“The politics should not only applaud those who take up arms” Welskop-Deffaa said, “but also those who work to maintain social cohesion and care for our seniors.” She warned that if the care system is not reformed, the country will be unable to provide for its elderly in the future, threatening their human dignity.