Family
No agreement yet on basic child security
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus visit the Family Fund Berlin-Brandenburg. photo
© Odd Andersen/afp Pool/dpa
For months, the planned basic child security has caused a dispute in the traffic light coalition. The chancellor and the family minister are now trying to come to an agreement.
According to the will of Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens), there should be agreement within the coalition on basic child security by the summer break. A meeting between Paus and Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on Tuesday evening initially failed to bring any agreement.
The German press agency learned from government circles that constructive talks had been held. However, these were adjourned to clarify other issues. A follow-up discussion should take place shortly.
The basic child security is intended to bring together services for children such as child benefit, the standard rate for children in basic income, the child allowance and services from the so-called education and participation package. Many families have so far not applied for benefits due to ignorance or bureaucratic hurdles. Paus considers an introduction as planned in 2025 to be possible.
On Monday, the family minister announced together with Scholz that key points for basic child security had now been agreed with the chancellery. The costs of the reform have also been agreed. However, she could not name a specific sum or other details before the coordination with the other ministries.
What will the project cost?
It seems undisputed within the government that the basic security should come. For months, however, the Greens and the FDP have been arguing about how much money the project should cost. Paus had previously estimated costs of twelve billion euros, but Lindner saw little room for maneuver in the budget.
The German Federation of Trade Unions accuses Lindner of blocking the project. “The fight against child poverty cannot be decided based on the cash situation. Minister Lindner must no longer block,” said board member Anja Piel of the German Press Agency. “Poor children now need more support for a good start in life. It is worthwhile to spend money on basic child security. Not only for those affected – doing nothing when there is child poverty is more expensive at the end of the day.” The coalition must prove its quarrels as quickly as possible and clarify reliable financing.