Germany: Minister wants to secure pension entitlements for caregivers

German Health Minister Carsten Linnemann intends to halt proposed savings that would reduce pension entitlements for family caregivers. He expressed a strong desire to avoid cuts in this area, emphasizing the societal value of those who care for relatives.

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I don't want to save money on family caregivers, regarding their pensions.

"I don't want to save money on family caregivers, regarding their pensions," Linnemann told "Bild am Sonntag." He argued that implementing such cuts would make society colder, as these individuals are essential for holding it together. "And that is why I will try to correct this point, so that there are no deductions and the pension points remain," he stated.

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It becomes colder because these are people who hold our society together.

The proposal, part of a broader plan by former minister Nina Warken to address a multi-billion euro deficit in the nursing care insurance system, includes potentially reducing the pension contributions paid by care funds for family caregivers. Currently, these funds can pay up to 740 euros per month. The plan suggests paying only 70 percent of these amounts for future pension entitlements.

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And that is why I will try to correct this point, so that there are no deductions and the pension points remain.

Linnemann noted criticism from within his own party (CDU), the CSU, and the SPD. He acknowledged that if the cuts are not implemented, the coalition government will need to discuss alternative financing. "That will not be easy. But we will find ways to counter-finance it," he said.

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That will not be easy. But we will find ways to counter-finance it.