CSU Pushes for Expanded 'Mütterrente' and Social Reforms in Winter Meeting

Markus Söder defends the €4 billion proposal, framing it as a justice issue for mothers, while critics question its fiscal viability.

CSU leader Markus Söder has called for increasing pension credits for mothers of children born before 1992, proposing three years of credit instead of the current two and a half.
Söder argues the €4 billion annual cost is manageable compared to higher expenditures on migration and social welfare, positioning the reform as a matter of fairness.
Critics, including economist Veronika Grimm, warn against additional election-related spending, while CDU leader Friedrich Merz has expressed reservations about prioritizing the initiative.
The CSU also advocates for a major reform of Germany's underfunded long-term care insurance system, aiming to simplify its structure and eliminate €11 billion in non-insurance-related costs.
The party is using its winter meeting to emphasize its social agenda, discussing broader economic issues and Bavaria's potential bid for the 2040 Summer Olympics.