German healthcare funding row pits unions against government cuts

Berlin. Yasmin Fahimi, the head of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), has sharply criticized Health Minister Nina Warken's (CDU) austerity package.

"This draft proposal from Warken's ministry is irresponsibly skewed against the insured," Fahimi told the Süddeutsche Zeitung. She warned that the legislation would impose severe benefit cuts and higher out-of-pocket payments on those covered by statutory health insurance. "People will not silently accept such unjust measures," Fahimi said, arguing that the government must not target those already under heavy financial strain.

Just days earlier, Warken had unveiled a plan to save around €20 billion in the healthcare system to prevent further increases in insurance contributions. Her draft bill would impose burdens across the board, with a cabinet vote scheduled for next Wednesday. Negotiations within the federal government are still underway to determine whether any provisions should be amended.

The DGB is particularly opposed to cost-cutting measures that would hit employees. For instance, Warken proposes reducing sick pay. "This is a harsh blow to people with serious or chronic illnesses," Fahimi said. "At the same time, co-payments for medications are set to rise, even though many are already struggling to afford the soaring costs of everyday essentials." She warned that the reform undermines the fundamental principle that access to healthcare should not depend on financial means. Fahimi demanded that the cuts be scrapped immediately, calling instead for a solidarity-based funding model for statutory health insurance.