Budget without prospects: 1.4 billion euros less for education and families

Good education and strong families are important for the future of the country, said Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) in the Bundestag on Thursday afternoon. Nevertheless, your ministry is planning to cut parental benefits and significantly less federal funding for single parents. That wasn't easy for her, said the minister. But defended the cuts plans. For the 2027 budget, a total of 15.48 billion euros is earmarked for the families and education budget. In 2026 it was still 16.66 billion euros.

The plan to downgrade parental allowance from 14 months to 12 months was particularly sharply criticized. “The two months are important for getting used to daycare, how is that supposed to work,” said Tamara Mazzi (Left). Still, Prin said she sees parents as their children's first and most important educational companions. “It deserves our highest recognition,” said the minister. Families in difficult situations and single parents in particular should not be left alone. “But do it!” came from the left-wing faction.

In addition to the cuts in parental allowance, cuts are also planned in support for single parents. Instead of 1.31 billion euros, as this year, only 914 million euros are planned for the next. Children should no longer be entitled until they are 18, but only until they turn 16. “Are 16-year-olds suddenly financially independent?” said Jamila Schäfer from the Green Party, shaking her head.

Mazzi (Left Party) calculated what the cuts would mean: For 100,000 young people with single parents that would be 400 euros less per month. This could save 450 million euros. “But spend 1.6 billion euros on the fuel discount,” Mazzi said angrily. That doesn't add up for her. She also thought that the immediate child allowance should be abolished was dramatic: “25 euros makes a difference for the poorest children,” she said during the debate.

The AfD MPs used the moment to complain. However, there was little about the specific content of the budget, and more complaints about the Campact campaign, which called for strategic voting in the election in Saxony-Anhalt. AfD MP Sebastian Maak was ultimately warned to concentrate on the budget debate. Missed the topic, that would have been called at school.

The SPD has mixed views on the budget plans. Svenja Stadler (SPD) spoke of good impulses and was sure that good joint solutions would be found afterwards. SPD party colleague Truels Reichardt was disappointed: We finally have to get to the large inheritances and assets instead of cutting back on families and children, “before we continue to smear,” said Reichardt.

The budget for 2027 envisages further cuts to the welfare state. The budget for building and living was also discussed on Thursday afternoon. For example, the planned changes to housing benefit. In the future, only one in three people will be able to receive the support. Sascha Wagner (The Left) appealed to the Bundestag that more should be done for affordable housing: “Housing means security,” he said.