Left-wing politicians consider expanding youth services to be necessary

The Left Party believes that expanding youth services is necessary. “In a time of social and financial uncertainty, Saxony’s child and youth services need a clear signal,” emphasized State Parliament Representative Juliane Nagel. The pressures on young people have increased significantly.

Specifically, The Left is proposing an increase in the youth allowance from the current 14.50 euros to at least 17.50 euros per year; they are also calling for the amount to be adjusted annually. The youth allowance is a sum that the state transfers to municipalities for every young person living there.

Young people fear for their future

Fear of war, inflation, the energy crisis, growing pressure to perform, and fears about the future shape the everyday lives of young people. “Studies show that about one in five young people exhibits mental health issues—a significantly higher proportion than before the COVID-19 pandemic,” Nagel emphasized. Many families with children cannot afford a vacation and are therefore reliant on programs offered by child and youth services.

The Left Party Wants to Expand the Youth Allowance

Nagel welcomed the fact that the government is at least partially addressing his party’s demand for an expansion of the youth allowance in the draft of the 2027–28 two-year budget. The Left Party is now proposing an expansion of the allowance through a motion to parliament. “Every euro that goes toward youth clubs, open programs, school social work, and education is an investment in spaces for young people, in social cohesion, and in greater equality of opportunity.”

Local governments also have a responsibility when it comes to youth services

The Left accuses the coalition at the federal level of pursuing a massive program of social cuts. “Cuts to housing assistance or the introduction of the basic income guarantee hit young people in precarious living situations particularly hard,” said Nagel. A moderate increase in the youth allowance cannot compensate for massive cuts in other areas. Furthermore, it must be ensured that local governments do not reduce their contribution to funding the youth welfare system.