Integration assistance cross-list: social cuts behind closed doors?

The federal, state and local governments want to cut millions for children, young people and the disabled, especially from social associations. They warn. But it’s not that scandalous.

April 30, 2026, 3:41 p.m

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Article summary

Financial politicians are working on social savings, especially among social associations, which is leading to strong reactions. A confidential paper with savings suggestions causes excitement because there is a lack of concrete implementation ideas and professional consideration. The idea of making school support more flexible is particularly controversial, which requires intensive debate. The discussion about municipal services and tariff increases highlights the tensions between municipalities and welfare associations. An open, professional debate about the future of social services could show the way out of the deadlock and constructively advance reforms.

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Nothing is fixed yet: Representatives from states, municipalities and the federal government are working on cuts in child and youth welfare and integration assistance for people with disabilities.
© Hidde Schalm/Unsplash

Clear-cutting or reform? In unpublished papers, financial politicians are working on social savings. Savings should therefore primarily be made in the services provided by social associations. They are alarmed. There needs to be an open debate about this – about the proposals and mutual mistrust, writes the economist Georg Cremer. He teaches as an adjunct professor of economics at the University of Freiburg, is the former Secretary General of the German Caritas Association and is currently a member of the Federal Government’s Pension Commission.