The traffic light coalition continues to argue about basic child security: after strong criticism, Family Minister Paus now wants to try to get by with fewer new jobs. The FDP is calling for a new draft law.
In the discussion about the planned basic child welfare, Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus assumes that the criticized number of additional 5,000 authorities will not be needed, at least in the long term.
“I am sure that the total number of jobs can still be reduced through synergy effects and consistent digitalization,” said the Green politician to the dpa news agency. “I can understand that the number that is circulating causes discussion. These are forecasts from the Federal Employment Agency. Of course, we are looking very closely at where there are opportunities to reduce the administrative burden.”
Paus: It’s about getting children out of poverty
Paus said it’s not about more jobs, but about getting children out of poverty. She pointed out again that the aim of the project was to “significantly reduce the bureaucratic hurdles for families in our country”. “They deserve good advice and support. And above all, it should be easier for them to receive the support to which they are entitled. If more families submit applications, these must also be processed.”
Of course, this also requires the appropriate structures, says Paus. “They have to be set up efficiently, especially because we are jointly committed to reducing bureaucracy.” The federal government has agreed on basic child security. “It’s about less bureaucracy and more for children. It’s good that it was decided in the cabinet – now we should and will continue the parliamentary negotiations in the normal way.”
FDP calls for a new draft
The coalition partner FDP in particular has criticized the fact that 5,000 additional positions are to be created at the local family authorities for the implementation. The Liberals therefore do not consider Paus’ bill to be acceptable. Basic child welfare is considered the Greens’ prestige social policy project. Previous benefits such as child benefit, benefits from citizen’s benefit for children or the child allowance should be bundled.
And the dispute in the coalition continues: the FDP is now demanding a new draft law. The current draft by Paus is “poorly crafted, not thought through and has legal gaps,” said the deputy FDP parliamentary group leader Christoph Meyer to the Germany editorial network.
It’s about a complex legislative proposal, said Meyer about the plans to bundle benefits such as child benefit, child allowance and amounts from citizens’ benefit for children from 2025. “I can’t imagine that parliament will bow to Lisa Paus’ schedule or her confusing demands,” added the FDP politician.
AWO demands a quick solution
Meanwhile, the president of the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO), Michael Groß, called on the traffic light coalition to resolve the conflict. “We expect a quick solution,” he told the newspapers of the Funke media group. “It is unacceptable to us that this important project is now being further delayed by a dispute over administrative bodies.” Basic child security must “finally come” and it must be paid out automatically.
The cabinet passed a bill in September with the aim of ensuring that basic child welfare comes into force on January 1, 2025. After concerns from the Federal Employment Agency and the Federal Council, the federal government announced in December that it would review the schedule.