Carers defend themselves against exploratory results from CDU/CSU and SPD

In letters to Dr Angela Merkel and Martin Schulz, Wir pflegen, the organisation representing the interests of caring relatives and friends in Germany, makes it very clear that the results of the exploratory talks between the CDU/CSU and SPD make no significant mention of family carers. However, they are the most important pillar of the German care system and are massively affected by loss of income, increased risk of poverty, social exclusion and overwork. We care confronts the CDU/CSU with their statement in the Bundestag election campaign: "Those who care for their relatives must receive the best support." The SPD reminds the interest group of its election programme, in which it advocated a three-month wage replacement benefit and family allowance for carers. None of this can be read in the exploratory paper. In both letters, We Care reiterates the demands for social security for family carers and the right to return from part-time to full-time work.