Germany's Merz government proposes sweeping cuts to social welfare benefits

The cabinet headed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz is preparing extensive reductions in Germany’s social support system. A list of more than 70 cut proposals targets families, children, young people, people with disabilities and single parents. Measures under discussion include eliminating school assistants for children with disabilities, postponing the legal right to full‑day childcare, and scrapping the maintenance allowance for single‑parent households. The Paritätische Gesamtverband, a major welfare association, argues many of the cuts conflict with UN conventions and would increase long‑term costs, presenting a set of 37 alternative reforms aimed at improving efficiency without harming disadvantaged groups.

Opposition parties have condemned the plan, with the Left party accusing the government of “bringing an axe to the welfare state.” Critics warn that proposed changes to health insurance, pension financing and care provisions could raise co‑payments for patients and raise the retirement age, while the government argues the reforms are necessary for fiscal stability. The debate is expected to dominate parliamentary proceedings ahead of a summer recess.