- The coalition remains engaged in a dispute concerning finances for equipment.
The cooperative alliance between black, red, and yellow in Saxony-Anhalt is still locked in a dispute over allotments for childcare expenditures. Katja Pähle, the leader of SPD's faction, once more voiced her opposition to revising the sibling policy. Maintaining the current regulations, she insisted, is crucial. Given the discrepancies in the debate, her stance was clear: "The system will not become less expensive."
This fiscal year, the state has allocated approximately 449 million euros for childcare, as per the Department of Social Affairs' records. Families with multiple children in daycare, kindergarten, and after-school care currently only pay for their eldest child. The CDU and FDP, however, are backing a proposal where families would only pay for their youngest child in the future. This debate is occurring during talks on the double budget and the notable increase in state investments in childcare in recent times. Also, federal funds earmarked for the sibling rule will no longer be accessible.
CDU advocates for a "frank dialogue"
"This state has a substantial debt. Interest rates are climbing," commented CDU faction leader Guido Heuer. Adhering to the current sibling rule is financially unwise, he argued. The coalition should have an open and transparent discussion about this, he suggested.
FDP faction leader Andreas Silbersack also supported shifting the financial burden to the youngest child. "After all, we must consider ways to cut expenses," Silbersack mentioned.
Parents might incur additional costs
According to the Department of Social Affairs, this adjustment could potentially cut spending by around 18 million euros. Such a reform would result in higher expenses for certain parents, considering that nursery care for children aged 0-3 usually costs more than kindergarten care for children aged 3-6.
The discussion about this matter is expected to resurface in the state parliament soon. The Left party disagrees with changing the sibling rule and intends to pursue a motion for long-term, tuition-free childcare. The CDU, however, focuses solely on finance, accused Eda von Angern, the party's faction leader. "Children are treated as a means to save money. We consider this a grave error."
The CDU, led by Guido Heuer, advocates for a "frank dialogue" about changing the sibling policy, stating that adhering to the current rule is financially unwise given Saxony-Anhalt's debt and rising interest rates. Furthermore, FDP faction leader Andreas Silbersack also supports this shift, suggesting they need to consider ways to cut expenses.
