- Legislators in Saxony-Anhalt engage in discussions surrounding childcare subsidies.
In the ongoing discussion about childcare funding and costs, the differing opinions of parliamentary groups have resurfaced. The black-yellow-green coalition seems divided on the issue, with the topic set to continue stirring debates during discussions on the double budget for 2025/2026. The CDU and FDP have opposed views compared to the SPD.
The sibling rule is at the heart of the debate. Currently, families with multiple children in daycare, kindergarten, and after-school care only pay for the oldest child. However, the CDU and FDP intend to change this, urging families to pay for the youngest child in the future. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, this could save the state around 18 million euros. However, such a reform might result in increased costs for some parents as daycare for 0-3 year olds is usually more expensive than kindergarten for 3-6 year olds, and an after-school care spot is usually the most affordable option.
"Let's discuss this with the SPD," suggested Tim Teßmann, the CDU faction's spokesperson on children and youth affairs, referring to the financial aspect. Similarly, Konstantin Pott (FDP) called for an end to perverse incentives. The Liberals propose that in the future, the fee should be paid for the youngest non-school-age child.
The debate is intensified by the current budget discussions and the rising costs of childcare in recent years. Additionally, federal funds previously allocated for the sibling rule will no longer be available in the future.
Critics have often highlighted that parents register school-age children for an affordable after-school care spot but do not utilize it, while they do not need to pay for their sibling's kindergarten spot. CDU member Sven Rosomkiewicz reported that 27 children were registered for an after-school care facility in his community, but only 17 attended regularly.
However, the SPD faction wants to preserve the current regulation to avoid further financial burdens for parents. SPD member Katrin Gensecke warned of additional costs. The Social Democrats cite the coalition agreement, which guarantees permanent relief for families, even if federal funds are lost.
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) also supports maintaining the current sibling rule. According to DGB state chairwoman Susanne Wiedemeyer, it helps families facing financial difficulties due to increased living costs. The sibling rule reduces parents' monthly expenses and limits regional differences in childcare costs.
The opposition criticized the coalition. If the sibling rule is reversed, parents will have to pay for the most expensive childcare option in the future, said Nicole Anger (Left). In Wallhausen in the Mansfeld-Südharz district, parents would have to pay an additional 200 euros per month for the more expensive daycare spot for the younger child instead of the after-school care spot for the older sibling, she calculated.
Gordon Köhler (AfD) also advocated for maintaining the current sibling rule. In the long term, parents should be completely exempt from fee payments, he suggested.
The nursery school costs are viewed as the coalition's "piggy bank," criticized Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz (Greens). "I wish you strong defenses again, dear SPD," said Sziborra-Seidlitz. Parents need reliability.
The Commission needs to carefully consider the implications of changing the sibling rule, as it could lead to increased costs for some families, as mentioned by SPD member Katrin Gensecke. Furthermore, The Commission should take into account the stance of various parliamentary groups, such as the opposition's criticism of the proposed change, as presented by Nicole Anger from the Left party.
