(de-news.net) – At the 83rd Deutscher Fürsorgetag in Erfurt, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called upon the German government to initiate a comprehensive reform of the welfare state. According to media reports, Steinmeier underscored the imperative to enhance both the efficiency and citizen-oriented responsiveness of the system. He identified structural deficiencies, imprecise targeting of social transfers, and persistent misuse as urgent challenges requiring immediate policy attention.
In his remarks, the President also highlighted the need for improved inter-agency cooperation among social authorities and emphasized the overdue modernization of administrative processes through digitization. He directed his appeal to the governing CDU/CSU and SPD coalition, reminding them of their democratic responsibility to prioritize substantive governance over partisan strategy.
Steinmeier framed welfare reform not only as a technical necessity but as a core democratic obligation. He argued that addressing issues with direct relevance to citizens is essential for restoring public trust in state institutions. Reform, in his view, offers a strategic opportunity to reinforce democratic legitimacy and demonstrate the capacity of political leadership to deliver effective solutions.
Building on his legacy as a principal architect of the Agenda 2010 reforms under Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Steinmeier reaffirmed his commitment to bold and future-oriented policymaking. His appeal to the coalition emphasized the importance of courage and perseverance, suggesting that meaningful reform would yield long-term societal benefits. Since assuming the presidency in 2017, Steinmeier has consistently advocated for pragmatic governance grounded in democratic accountability.