Government spending on social programs remains lower than the levels recorded in 2015 as a proportion of the country's GDP.

In the heart of Germany's political landscape, a debate about the welfare state is unfolding within the current black-red coalition, consisting of the CDU and the SPD. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, from the CDU, has taken the lead, focusing on citizens' income and pension policy.

This debate comes as the Federal Statistical Office released figures showing that the federal government spent 5.53% of the gross domestic product on social security in 2021, a figure remarkably similar to the 5.64% spent in 2015. Merz's statements about the unsustainability of the welfare state have sparked criticism from the SPD and other parties, with former Left Party parliamentary group leader, Sahra Wagenknecht, accusing Merz of a "smear campaign against the welfare state."

Bartsch, however, contends that the policy of rearmament, not the welfare state, is causing budget issues. She urges the federal government to "hands off the welfare state."

Despite the growth of the gross domestic product, which has doubled from 2.13 trillion euros in 2000 to 4.33 trillion euros last year, the share of social spending has remained relatively stable, with some fluctuations in crisis years. The only category that has seen a consistent increase is education spending, with the federal government increasing its share of GDP from 0.25% in 2000 to 0.52% last year.

Federal Chancellor Merz has announced "painful decisions" in social reforms, but it is yet to be seen what specific changes or proposals will be made. The Left Party MP's message to the federal government is clear: leave the welfare state alone.

As this debate continues to unfold, the future of social security in Germany remains uncertain, with the welfare state at the centre of the political storm.