Green politician Ricarda Lang criticized the spending cuts planned for the Parental Allowance (Elterngeld) by the federal government. Speaking on the Politicalico podcast “Berlin Playbook” Lang stated that such actions are inappropriate given the current desire for more people to choose parenthood and children.
The Bundestag’s Social Committee member emphasized the need for systemic reforms within Germany’s social safety net, stressing that any changes must be equitable and must not disproportionately affect families.
Lang also reviewed the prior cuts to the Parental Allowance implemented when Family Minister Lisa Paus (Green) was in power within the “traffic light” coalition, expressing her continued skepticism, adding that she believed those cuts were also not the first priority for reform.
However, she offered a more pragmatic view on the previous measures, pointing out that the reduction of the taxable annual income limit from €300,000 to €175,000 affected only high-income couples. According to Lang, if reforms in this area are absolutely necessary, this specific reduction plan was likely the most equitable option.
Meanwhile, the Finance Minister, Lars Klingbeil (SPD), included provisions requiring the Parental Allowance cuts worth 350 million euros for the fiscal year 2027 within the government’s draft budget framework. The Ministry of Family Affairs is expected to submit a detailed proposal outlining how this cost-saving measure will be implemented by Wednesday.