From BZ/dpa
In the dispute over the financing of basic child security, Federal Family Minister Lisa Paus is sticking to her demand for additional funds.
With a view to Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP), the Greens politician in the editorial network Germany (RND/Sunday) also opposed offsetting the increase in child benefit with the costs of the measure.
Against the background of high inflation, the increase in child benefit is an important step
“But that alone is not enough – the necessary costs for basic child security cannot be offset against it.” This must be sufficiently financed – “in order to make the application process significantly easier and to get more children out of poverty”. Paus emphasized: “12 billion Euros are more of a lower limit for this.”
From 2025, basic child security is to bundle state benefits for families and children. What is controversial in the coalition is what should go with it.
Paus wants an increase because, in her opinion, the previous aid does not adequately combat child poverty. Lindner, on the other hand, sees little room for maneuver in the household.
For the first time, he expects state revenues of more than one trillion euros for the coming year. “Nevertheless, the money is not enough to finance the legal obligations of the federal government,” said the FDP leader of the “picture on sunday“.
At the moment, additional expenses are out of the question. “I warn anyone looking for easy fixes like raising taxes. That would be economically wrong. This government must find the strength to save.”
Lindner told the “Bild am Sonntag” with a view to basic child security that a lot has already happened for families with children.
He referred to the increase in child benefit to 250 euros. More is “always desirable, but not always possible”. Child poverty is also often due to the unemployment of the parents.
“That’s why language training and the integration of parents into the job market are crucial in order to improve the children’s chances.” This also applies to children from families where parents work but whose income is still insufficient.”
The traffic light government had agreed in the coalition agreement to want to get more children out of poverty with basic child security.