Focus on family policy: National Council fights over budget and future!

Focus on family policy: National Council fights over budget and future!

On June 18, 2025, the third day of the budget debate took place in the National Council, which focused heavily on the government's family policy. Sharp criticism came particularly from the opposition, who pointed out various aspects of social benefits. The suspension of the valorization of family benefits caused heated controversy. The FPÖ and the Greens expressed concerns about cuts to public transport, while increases in the cost of living increased citizens' concerns.

The debate over financing and the country's defense capability also occupied a central place. Loud vienna.at FPÖ defense spokesman Volker Reifenberger expressed his concerns about budgeting, especially with regard to spending on national defense. He warned that the goal of increasing defense spending to two percent of GDP by 2032 is unlikely to be achieved. The Greens were also concerned about personnel problems and inadequate accommodation in the military sector.

Family policy and its challenges

Family Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) emphasized the support that Austria offers families, but FPÖ MP Ricarda Berger described the non-valorization of family benefits as a “cold cut”. Your party colleagues called for the regional railways to be retained and warned of the consequences of the financial savings for families. Meanwhile, Green Party representative Barbara Neßler criticized the policy as “Mickey Mouse politics”.

In Germany, significant changes in social and family policy are pending under the new CDU-led government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The focus is on tax relief for families, in particular through adjustments to child allowances and the planned increase in child benefit. However, similar to Austria, there are concerns about possible tightening of laws that could affect single parents. In a document from the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, the critical attitude towards the introduction of citizens' money is highlighted, which is intended to reward performance and not promote unemployment ( fr.de ).

Legal developments and opposition

In Germany, a report from the Bundestag shows that the law on basic child welfare has remained stuck in the parliamentary process, underlining the urgency of political action. The increase in child benefit should take place on January 1, 2025, and the tax allowances for children should increase from 2026 ( bundestag.de ).

In both countries it remains unclear what the actual implementation of the political plans will look like and what effects they will have on the real lives of families and single parents in the long term. The National Council in Austria continued its deliberations on Wednesday, while questions about the effectiveness of family policy in Germany remain unanswered.