Overview
- Over the weekend Research Minister Dorothee Bär said she had heard the reform "is not supported" by the governing parliamentary groups, prompting sharp pushback from the SPD and student bodies.
- The Federal Research Ministry says it is working urgently to bring a BAföG reform draft to cabinet by the end of July with the goal of effecting changes for Wintersemester 2026/27.
- The Chancellor's office, via spokesman Stefan Kornelius, reiterated that coalition promises from the contract are subject to a financing caveat, putting the size or timing of planned increases in doubt.
- The SPD rejects that characterization and says Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has already factored the roughly €1 billion cost into budget plans, while Union figures argue broader savings are needed.
- Student groups, universities and unions have reacted angrily, warning rising rents and high work rates make the planned housing allowance and Grundbedarf increases crucial and saying the budget process by late July will determine next steps.