The rising rate of people at risk of poverty has led the Social Association Germany (SoVD) to caution against cuts to the welfare state. SoVD’s president, Michaela Engelmeier, told the “Rheinische Post” that the new figures clearly signal a need for stronger social protections. She noted that while economic growth has slowed and wealth accumulation has fallen, more people are slipping below the poverty line, widening the gap between rich and poor.
Engelmeier emphasised that reductions to social programmes cannot be considered. Instead, she calls for a fair contribution from very wealthy households as the only way to give citizens the security they need when they lose a job, become ill, or face other sudden crises.
According to the Federal Statistical Office’s latest data released on Tuesday, about 13.3 million people in Germany are currently living on incomes below the poverty‑risk threshold.