On Monday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) spoke out clearly against cuts in the social sector. The CDU and CSU wanted to approach pensions by raising the retirement age, others wanted to limit benefits in the event of illness and long-term care, some wanted to reduce protection against dismissal and other things. “For me, that is out of the question, to say that very clearly,” said the Chancellor at the dpa editorial board conference. “I rule out the possibility of a government led by me doing something like that.” Last week, Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) advocated a moratorium on social benefits in favor of higher defense spending.
The television station World TV Heil said that the federal government should not play off external security against social security. “Otherwise we would, for example, lose support for external security in this country.” It is clear that the Federal Republic must support Ukraine. “Germany is doing this in an exemplary manner, and other European countries must also step up their game.” That is why pensions should not be reduced in favor of the Bundeswehr. “But we have to agree on priorities and find the right balance in Germany.”
The SPD politician recalled that a cut in social benefits would affect everyone – including the working population: “Social security that we have in Germany is not only there for people in need, but for employees.” Heil, on the other hand, expressly welcomed tough action against social fraud. However, one should not place the wrong people under general suspicion. The minister emphasized that the majority of social benefit recipients also need this help. “If we want to reduce social benefits, then the best way is to get people out of need and into work.” SPD party leader Saskia Esken and social associations had previously rejected Lindner’s demand.