German State Leaders Rehlinger and Rhein Warn Reforms Will Fail Without Federal Funding

Saarland Minister‑President Anke Rehlinger and Hesse Minister‑President Boris Rhein told the federal government that the planned social‑policy reforms must not increase the financial burden on the states. They called for a joint counter‑financing package from the CDU/CSU‑SPD coalition, saying that without such support the reforms will be blocked in the Bundesrat.

Both leaders argued that a solid funding basis is essential for the reforms to boost economic growth, competitiveness and employment. They warned that state and municipal budgets are already at their limits and cited the coalition‑agreement principle “who orders, pays” as the standard for evaluating any new measures.