New rules for parental allowance: Criticism of the reform
In Germany, there are important changes to the parental allowance (Elterngeld). Parental allowance is financial support for fathers and mothers who stay at home after the birth of their child. The federal government has adjusted the rules to save costs. This decision is now leading to a major public discussion.
The most important change concerns the income limit. Couples who earn more than 200,000 euros a year together are no longer entitled to parental allowance. Previously, this limit was significantly higher. The government wants to relieve the state budget in this way, but many families feel treated unfairly by this measure.
Experts warn that this new regulation could reinforce traditional role distribution. When families receive less financial help, the decision is often economic: the person with the higher salary continues to work. In Germany, statistically speaking, these are mostly men.
This means that women more often take on unpaid work at home. This so-called "care work" includes childcare and the household. When mothers stay out of the workforce longer, it has long-term consequences for their careers and their later pensions. Equality in the workplace becomes more difficult as a result.
The reform of the parental allowance remains an emotional topic. While politicians point to the necessity of austerity measures, women's rights activists and social associations are calling for better conditions. They want a system that enables both parents to share the upbringing of the child fairly.