Left party calls for measures against child poverty

The left-wing parliamentary group in the Saxon state parliament is calling on the government to take action against child poverty. "Every fifth child in Saxony lives in poverty," said Juliane Nagel, spokesperson for children and youth policy for the left-wing parliamentary group, in a statement ahead of International Children's Day on June 1. The interests of young people must play a major role in the 2025/2026 double budget, and the funds planned so far are by no means sufficient.

Youth clubs and other facilities and offers are important because poorer homes are often less able to offer their children education and leisure activities. The government's draft budget only provides for a stagnation of funds for the central youth policy funding instruments, while costs are rising due to inflation and wage increases.

Increases requested

"The state government must be aware of its responsibility to ensure that young people grow up well and invest, especially in times of crisis," said Nagel. The Left Party had requested increases, for example in the youth lump sum to finance services in the districts and cities from 15 million to 16.5 million euros per year.

The minority government submitted its draft for the 2025/26 double budget to the state parliament at the beginning of April. The CDU and SPD are ten votes short of a majority in parliament and are reliant on approval from the opposition. The budget is due to be passed by the state parliament in June.