SPD's Campaign to Curb Nursing Costs

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) is gearing up for the upcoming elections with a bold proposal aimed at alleviating nursing costs. Central to their campaign is a plan to introduce a cap on personal contributions for long-term care, set at a maximum of 1,000 euros per month. This initiative seeks to reduce the duration of stays in care homes while promoting home care alternatives. Residents in nursing homes could see an average relief of 678 euros, alongside protections for those already benefiting from substantial subsidies.

In tandem with this nursing cost strategy, the SPD is also advocating for the stabilization of pension levels. The party's general secretary, Matthias Miersch, has emphasized the importance of maintaining the pension level at 48% to prevent future cuts. This objective aligns with previous goals established during the now-defunct traffic light coalition, which had aimed to ensure pension stability until 2039.

Despite the ambitious plans, progress on pension reform has stalled since the coalition's dissolution, which has raised concerns about the future of both pensions and nursing care funding. The SPD's proposals reflect a broader commitment to address the financial burdens facing the elderly and those in need of care. With these initiatives, the SPD aims to resonate with voters who are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of both pension systems and long-term care costs.