The Left party is advocating for a significantly increased federal contribution to the costs of childcare. Heidi Reichinnek, parliamentary group leader for the Left party, argues that the federal government cannot deflect responsibility by citing education as a matter exclusively for the states, especially given its creation of the legal entitlement to a childcare place. “Those who order must bear the bill” she stated in remarks reported by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland.
Currently, the federal government provides approximately two billion euros annually to support states and municipalities. However, Reichinnek highlights that the costs associated with the childcare system have been increasing by roughly three billion euros each year, currently totaling over 50 billion euros. She is calling for a reliable and adequate federal funding mechanism along with the establishment of nationwide, standardized quality benchmarks.
To facilitate dialogue and seek solutions, Reichinnek has formally invited Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU to a “childcare summit” within the Bundestag. A letter outlining this invitation has been reported by the RND. The proposed summit, scheduled for November 20th, intends to bring together representatives from the federal government, state governments, municipalities, childcare employees and parents.
Reichinnek’s letter to Chancellor Merz expresses concern about the stability of the childcare system, describing it as being “on the brink of collapse”. It notes the significant strain placed on childcare professionals and the persistent shortage of available childcare places. A particularly acute workforce shortage is anticipated to be exacerbated in the coming year with the implementation of a legal entitlement to full-day primary school care, potentially drawing staff away from existing childcare facilities.