Alliance calls for German government to halt planned spending cuts

Unions and welfare organizations have called on the German government to halt planned spending cuts. 

The alliance of 14 unions and organizations specifically criticized the government's planned overhaul of the country's nursing care system in a joint appeal.

"Social cohesion is a prerequisite for democratic stability," the alliance said.

On Wednesday, the German Cabinet agreed on legislation to reform the country's nursing care system, which is under increasing pressure due to an ageing population.

The draft plans, which require parliamentary approval before taking effect, include spreading out surcharges for nursing home residents over a longer period in an effort to limit costs borne by residents. Proposed savings measures also included stricter classification into care grades.

The alliance said it was essential that adequate care was provided alongside safe staffing levels.

The group is concerned the government also intends to implement cuts across other social services, including housing and child and youth support.

The welfare system had "not only social and economic, but also essential democratic significance," the group said.

It called for "a strong, reliable, and solidarity-based" social welfare system alongside wealth and inheritance taxes.

The group includes the German Trade Union Confederation, the IG Metall and Verdi unions, as well as social welfare organizations such as the VdK, Diakonie, Caritas, the Paritätische Gesamtverband and the German Women's Council.