The Saxon SPD wants to use declining child numbers to improve childcare for girls and boys. In addition, parents and local authorities are to be relieved financially. "There will be no cuts on the backs of children and nursery teachers with the SPD," promises Petra Köpping, the SPD's lead candidate in the Saxon state elections and Minister of Social Affairs in the Free State: "One thing is clear to us: local nurseries must remain, and staff must be retained even in times of declining child numbers. We are committed to more education for children, lower fees for parents and further relief for local authorities."
"Over the next ten years, the number of children in daycare will fall by around 15 percent. What is initially not good news is actually a great opportunity: the falling number of children will gradually release up to 150 million euros in previously required funds," explained Köpping. "Unfortunately, some political cost-cutters only see one thing in this: saving money. The consequences would be daycare closures and staff cuts." However, the SPD believes that making savings in this area is completely the wrong approach. "That's why we want a moratorium on daycare centers before the state elections in order to stop potential daycare center closures." A new state parliament will be elected in Saxony on September 1.
