German Care Reform Criticized by State Ministers Over Financing

Social Minister Aminata Touré of Schleswig‑Holstein warned that the federal government’s planned Pflege‑reform “misses a great chance” because it does not relieve the high co‑payment burden for care‑dependent citizens. She argued that a real reform must address demographic change, a shortage of qualified staff and the financing gap, and suggested a socially‑tiered co‑payment system. Touré said the current proposal will shift additional costs to the states, estimating a nationwide extra need of about €1 billion, with Schleswig‑Holstein facing €35‑40 million per year.

In Bavaria, the reform sparked strong opposition from the CSU and other regional politicians. CSU leader Klaus Holetschek called the plan “a new social imbalance” that would push costs onto municipalities and care‑givers, describing it as “a shift station toward social assistance.” Care‑beauftragter Thomas Zöller of the Bavarian state government called the measures a “hard blow” to caring relatives, noting cuts to relief contributions and pension points for caregivers, especially affecting women. Both regional critics urged the federal government to reconsider the package.