German states Bavaria and Thuringia overhaul childcare financing

Bavaria approved a new child‑care law (BayKiBiG) that moves the family allowance and crèche subsidy—up to €100 per month—into the state funding pool for kindergartens. Critics warn the structural deficit will persist and parents may still face higher contributions. Family Minister Ulrike Scharf said, “I can take the parents’ worry that the €100 will be cut away – that simply isn’t true,” while a Red Cross representative warned, “As long as a financial deficit exists, the re‑allocated contribution cannot be passed on to families.”

In Thuringia, a parliamentary committee agreed to add a third fee‑free kindergarten year, extending the current two free years. The change, supported by the Left and CDU factions, is slated for approval before the summer break and aims to relieve families and provide extra aid to small facilities with fewer than 50 children. A Left politician said, “I am glad this step could be taken – it means concrete relief for Thuringian families.”