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SPD criticises Merkel's new welfare plan

Published: 7 Mar 10 10:24 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20100307-25715.html

Angela Merkel's proposal to pep up welfare handouts for children with non-cash benefits has been heavily criticised by Social Democratic leader Sigmar Gabriel.

"There's a huge difference between Mrs. Merkel's words and her actions," he told daily Der Tagesspiegel on Sunday. In his opinion, the right decision was also the most obvious: "We need to reintroduce the old, pre-Hartz-IV special allowances for children."

Under the old system, unemployed parents could reclaim the money for items such as winter coats or school computers by handing in the appropriate receipts.

The leader of the Greens, Renate Künast, also criticized Merkel's proposal, arguing that the welfare payments for children should be sufficient for children's needs in the first place, and that midday meals, sports activities and cultural opportunities should be provided by local authorities.

The only voice of support came from the chancellor's junior coalition Free Democrats. Party deputy leader, Heinrich Kolb, said he was happy to see that Merkel's statement was more in line with the FDP's way of thinking.

"The FDP and the CDU will be able to agree to reforms on the basis of this argument," he said.

DDP/The Local (news@thelocal.de)

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Your comments about this article:

#1
18:43 March 7, 2010 by peschvogel
From what i hear from isniders is that all the free geld is coming to an end. No longer will children be a subordinate of the state. Lessons in taking responsibility and not blaming the govt when problems of virtue arise such as making your own life, career, money. A more capitalist society if you will. This is indeed happening as massive restructuring is underway to remove govt agencies under direct rule and set them as satelitte offices. Healthcare, education and pensions are next! Its going to be a big shock for the German people but thats the way its going to be...
Report abuse »
#2
14:55 March 15, 2010 by dbert4
blah, blah, blah! Peschvogel, were you beaten as a child for you stupidity? If not, too bad!
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#3
22:47 March 15, 2010 by peschvogel
Actually no, i was not because i wasnt raised in Germany. Your Hubris is all you can hold onto as the Bismark state is kaput. Upside down tree that doesnt make kids anymore. However, middle eastrn & african folks can compensate for the loss. Still all the freebies are bye bye. Export only doesnt work anymore. German banks are the next house of cards with their inability raise new capital and NPL's. Schade...
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