Berlin – Germany’s recent coalition government is proposing significant cuts to social benefits for children, families, and people with disabilities, according to leaked internal documents.
The proposals, originating from a working group established by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and state leaders in December, aim to save at least 8.6 billion euros annually in the social sector, the Paritätischer Gesamtverband welfare association reported.
Among the measures under discussion are reducing child support payments for single parents from age 18 to 12 and tightening eligibility for disability benefits, the association said.
Welfare organizations warn the cuts would undermine decades of progress in social inclusion and threaten fundamental rights of vulnerable groups.
The government has not publicly commented on the leaked document, which was discussed in a recent Bundestag session initiated by the Green Party faction.
Chancellor Merz previously pledged during his campaign to strengthen the economy and reduce bureaucracy, but faces growing pressure to address fiscal shortfalls through alternative revenue measures.
The working group, involving federal ministries, several state governments, and municipal associations, is expected to deliver recommendations by summer.
