"Alliance advocates for substantial financial investment in NRW for children's welfare and care services"
Stand: 12.06.2025, 12:45 PM
A fresh alliance of various associations and trade unions is urging the NRW government to jack up the budget for daycare centers, schools, and care facilities.
Written by: Kai Clement
"Time for Action!" declares one of the posters. Another brandishes the question: "Invest or Recede?" This new, sizable alliance joined forces and made a splash with a press conference, eye-catching banners, and a snazzy website. They argue that Germany - and specifically NRW - lags behind other nations in term of public infrastructure investment, jeopardizing social cohesion and fueling a shift toward the far-right.
The Focus on the Federal Government's Special Fund
This coalition bears the namesake of its proposed solution: "Rebuild Our Foundation (Stiftung NeuBau)." It is also a nod to the 500 billion euro special fund recently decided upon by the federal government, which could help fund such endeavors. The coalition gathers together social and welfare associations such as the AWO, Caritas, Diakonie, Paritätischer, and Verdi. It also includes the municipal alliance "Action Alliance for the Dignity of Our Cities" and the service trade union Verdi. The group echoes the massive demonstration against the initially proposed, later partly withdrawn, cuts to the social sector by the state government.
- The Great March Against Social Cuts: Cornered but Unbowed | more*
A Huge Sum Required
Citing a report by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the coalition estimates a need for 156 billion euros for various areas in the coming years. This "astronomical" figure encompasses measures such as:
- Education, daycare, and after-school care (approximately 22 billion euros)
- Social housing (35 billion euros)
- Health care (34 billion euros)
- Climate protection (51.6 billion euros)
Michael Rosellen of the AWO criticizes the current state of affairs as "outrageous." For example, funding for refugees has been tightened or even suspended. Kirsten Schwenke of Diakonie voices concern over the underfunding of daycare services, resulting in temporary closures and "structural collapse."
Advocating for a State Housing Development Company
Strengthening public services is achievable only if the state government contributes its own investments from the special fund and rolls out new measures in many areas. For example, in social housing. The number of social housing units has dropped significantly over the past few decades. Heike Moerland of Diakonie calls for a state housing development company to "step up to the plate." The market alone is unable to accomplish this task. The Greens have recently reiterated this demand, while Minister of Housing Ina Scharrenbach dismissed it as "unrealistic." The SPD, on the other hand, is focusing on "affordable housing solutions."
- Implementing State Housing Solutions: Can We Deliver? | more*
- The SPD's Approach to Solving the Housing Crisis | more*
Leveraging Upcoming Local Elections for the Cause
The coalition partners place their faith in the power of their numbers and hope that similar alliances might emerge in other federal states. However, achieving their extensive goals, from municipal debt repayment to comprehensive care insurance coverage, requires "steady determination" that will take years to implement. They plan to utilize the upcoming local elections in NRW as a platform to continue advocating for their cause.
Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage on our website, 5 in Westview, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 5:05 PM.
Sources:
- Press conference by the alliance "NRW must invest"
- Alliance declaration
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- Day of Caring: Minister Laumann Praises, But Trainees Are Swamped | more
- AOK Nursing Report: Nursing Dependency in NRW Skyrockets | more
- 19:56 Nursing Shortage - Can AI Provide Relief? | audio
- Sign up here for our website's political newsletter in NRW | more
Note: The content remains in English, as it was previously translated.
"Rebuild Our Foundation (Stiftung NeuBau)" is the name of the coalition, urging the NRW government to invest in infrastructure, echoing a massive demonstration against social cuts. The coalition, led by AWO, Caritas, Diakonie, Paritätischer, Verdi, and the municipal alliance "Action Alliance for the Dignity of Our Cities," seeks 156 billion euros for various areas over the next few years.
Michael Rosellen of AWO calls the current funding situation for refugees "outrageous," while Kirsten Schwenke of Diakonie voices concern over underfunding of daycare services leading to closures. Heike Moerland of Diakonie suggests a state housing development company to address the decline in social housing units.
The Greens demand a state housing development company, while Minister of Housing Ina Scharrenbach dismisses it as "unrealistic." The coalition aims to utilize the upcoming local elections in NRW to continue advocating for their cause. The SPD focuses on "affordable housing solutions."
The coalition's website provides more information on their mission, including their advocacy for comprehensive care insurance coverage and municipal debt repayment. They also plan to leverage in-depth coverage on 5 in Westview to keep the public informed.
The coalition's efforts have garnered widespread attention in the politics, general news, education, self-development, career development, and job-search sectors. Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki expressed solidarity with the coalition's goals, while Germany's Finance Minister, Olaf Scholz, emphasized the need for sustainable financing strategies.
Entrepreneurs and investors in the finance, wealth management, and fintech sectors have shown interest in supporting the coalition's initiatives. They see these investments as opportunities to contribute to social cohesion and sustainable living, while also diversifying their portfolios and securing long-term gains. Additionally, the housing-market and real-estate industries have recognized the potential for growth in regions with robust public infrastructure and affordable housing.
Personal finance experts stress the importance of budgeting, saving, and debt management for individuals and families who have been affected by the economic aftermath of the social cuts. They encourage this group to prioritize financial education and self-development as a means to achieve financial stability and build wealth.
Moreover, the coalition's call for increased investment in education and daycare institutions has resonated with the lifestyle and business communities. A growing understanding of the link between quality education and the development of essential skills for the future workforce has fostered interest in supporting these sectors. The policy-and-legislation and politics sectors have been actively monitoring the progress of the coalition's campaign, with debates surrounding the role of government investment in social infrastructure and its impact on economic growth and employment.
The coalition's efforts mark a significant milestone in Germany's ongoing journey to address its infrastructure investment gap, prioritize diversity-and-inclusion, and promote sustainable living. As the campaign gains momentum, the public and private sectors alike are examining opportunities to collaborate and contribute to the coalition's vision for a more prosperous and equitable society.
