According to Spiegel, CDU politician Jens Spahn has questioned the planned increase in Bafög. On Saturday, Spahn told the Münchner Merkur that state benefits such as Bürgergeld, housing allowance, parental allowance, and Bafög would ‘not be able to be increased in the foreseeable future.’ The statement comes just weeks before the planned Bafög reform is set to take effect in August.
Student representatives reacted sharply. The Federal Association of Liberal University Groups described Spahn’s rejection as ‘like a slap in the face’ – given high rents and living costs. Matthias Anbuhl, chairman of the German Student Union, criticized: ‘Anyone who spends billions on a fuel discount while wanting to save on educational opportunities is acting anti-performance and blind to the future.’
In the coalition agreement, the CDU, CSU, and SPD had agreed on a ‘major reform’ of Bafög. Starting in the upcoming winter semester, the housing cost allowance for students not living with their parents was to rise from 380 to 440 euros per month. Long-term plans included a gradual increase to the level of basic security. The Federal Ministry of Research announced at the end of April that funding had been secured and the legislative process would begin.
Criticism also comes from the Left Party. Education politician Nicole Gohlke accused the government of using students as ‘bargaining chips for budget holes.’ She appealed to the SPD not to give in and to push through the agreed reform.
Source: www.spiegel.de
