The federal finance minister demanded fundamental reforms in Germany, declaring that “we need structural reforms”. He spoke to the ARD’s “Bericht aus Berlin” studio and referred to a recent report by Bärbel Bas on the direction of the social state, which contained broad proposals for modernisation. The minister said he wants the social state to become more effective, with benefits reaching people more accurately and helping them better. He expects the same urgency from the health minister for reforms in health and care, and notes that the SPD is also thinking carefully about the issue.
A topic the SPD discussed over the weekend was how to relieve both employees and employers while ensuring that capital income contributes more. The discussion was presented as a proposal the party supports.
The finance minister added that he is eager to hear what the health minister will propose for reforming the health system. He warned that it must not happen that individual portfolio ministers submit nothing and the reforms stall. A few major bottlenecks are expected to be tackled this year; the minister reiterated the need for reforms in Germany and said the government is ready to act.