German Health Minister Carsten Linnemann (CDU) Said He Wants to Avoid Planned Cuts to Pension Entitlements for People Caring for Relatives

"I do not want to save on caring relatives, on pensions, he told the "Bild am Sonntag" newspaper. He argued that implementing the cuts would make society colder, as these are people who hold society together. "And that is why I will try to correct this point, so that there are no reductions, but that the pension points are retained.

Linnemann's predecessor in the ministry, Nina Warken (CDU), had presented a draft plan with spending brakes and additional revenue to address an expected billion-euro deficit in the long-term care insurance fund, aiming to avoid general contribution increases. The plan also includes cuts to pension contributions that care funds pay under certain conditions for people who care for relatives — currently up to 740 euros per month. Under the proposal, only 70 percent of the corresponding amounts would be paid toward future pension entitlements.

CSU politicians have already voiced criticism. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) also said in July that the decision had not yet been finalized. "I see this point.

I also see it critically, he said, adding that the draft is in intergovernmental coordination and details still need to be discussed. Linnemann said he hears criticism of the plans from the SPD, the CSU, and also from his own party. If the cuts are not implemented, the coalition would need to discuss counter-financing.

"That will not be easy. But we will find ways to counter-finance it, he said. © dpa-infocom, dpa:260822-930-568694/1.