Broad alliance calls for more money for German children and families

A broad alliance of civil society organizations is calling for more money for children and families in Germany.

"Investing in children and young people is an investment in prosperity and democracy," says the joint appeal by 49 organizations and three scientists, published on Thursday.

The alliance says the federal government must provide significantly more financial resources for education, combating child poverty and alleviating the shortage of skilled workers.

"The list of problems is long and ranges from a lack of skilled workers to unreliable childcare hours and dilapidated school toilets," write the signatories, which include the social welfare association VdK, the German Trade Union Confederation and the German Children's Fund.

Some children in Germany are already being denied "a real chance at development," the statement continues. Without investment in young people's opportunities, their future is at risk.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's plans for the federal budget for this year and next. The draft budget provides for expenditure of €503 billion ($585 billion) for the current year, about 6% more than last year.

The clear priorities are defence policy and spending on dilapidated infrastructure.

According to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, the federal government intends to spend a total of €6.5 billion from the €500 billion special fund on childcare centres and digital education. Starting next year, the money will be available annually for a period of 10 years.