Amid the vigorous debate over reforms, the labour group within the Union parliamentary faction is calling for a centralized steering of social policy at the chancellor’s office. “Just as a resilient democracy requires a National Security Council, a stable welfare state also needs central strategic leadership” said Stefan Nacke, chair of the labour group in the CDU/CSU faction, to the “Tagesspiegel” (Monday edition). Social security, he added, is a matter of the country’s internal stability.
Nacke proposes the establishment of a National Council for Social Security in the chancellery. “Such a body must strategically bring together the policy areas of work and social affairs, health, family, construction and housing, as well as economy and finance, and coordinate reform processes across ministries – together with the states” he said.
He insists on a “turning point” for the welfare state and urges comprehensive structural reforms. Nacke criticised the public debate for focusing too much on external security, the military and foreign policy, while downplaying the need for strategic government coordination at home. According to him, the welfare state is under significant pressure: pension stability, escalating health costs, a shortage of skilled labour, the transformation of work, and a tightening housing market all pose central stability challenges for Germany. While numerous commissions and expert panels are drafting reform proposals, Nacke warned that without political consolidation, clear prioritisation and strategic leadership, the next round of reforms risks being abandoned piece by piece.