Chancellor Merz Criticizes Long-Term Care Insurance Reform Proposal as Unsatisfactory

The Pflegekommission Bund-Länder working group recently unveiled its plans for reforming Germany's long-term care insurance, focusing on expanding prevention and reviewing care classifications. However, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) expressed strong dissatisfaction with the proposal, calling the results "unsatisfactory" during a Bundestag inquiry. He emphasized that the current recommendations are insufficient to ensure the long-term sustainability and dignity of care insurance in Germany.

Merz highlighted the chronic financial strain on the care sector and the need for a comprehensive reform. To maintain solvency, the government allocated loans totaling 500 million euros this year and plans to provide an additional 3.2 billion euros next year. Despite these measures, contributions are expected to remain stable at the start of 2026. The Chancellor called for rigorous bipartisan discussions next year involving the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) and the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) to develop a reform that guarantees a dignified life in old age and secures the system's viability.

The reform commission's report, known as the "Zukunftspakt Pflege," aims to maintain current care levels but remains vague on future financing strategies. Merz underscored the importance of the social state's solidarity in supporting those requiring care, including nursing home residents. His comments reflect deep concerns that the current proposals do not adequately address systemic challenges or provide a sustainable foundation for Germany’s long-term care framework.