Fourteen civil society organizations with a combined total of over 20 million members have formed an alliance for a strong and sustainable welfare state. The Welfare State Alliance criticizes the growing imbalance in the political debate, in which the welfare state is repeatedly portrayed as unaffordable or as a mere cost factor. The initiative counters this with a positive, fact-based perspective: The welfare state is not only financially viable but also essential for social peace, economic participation, and democratic stability.
Hans-Jürgen Urban, Social Affairs Director of IG Metall: “Those who push for cuts to social programs in uncertain times stoke fears and jeopardize economic recovery. Our welfare state is not a cost factor, but a driver of prosperity. A strong welfare state, financed through solidarity, creates the necessary security amid economic change and serves as a foundation for productivity and innovation. Economic transformation will succeed only with a strong and future-proof welfare state.”
Specifically, Urban calls for the following: “We say yes to reforming the welfare state, but restructuring must not mean cuts—it must mean expansion: good and healthy working conditions, reliable social services, a strengthened statutory pension system, good and efficient health care, and dignified long-term care. These are core elements of a sustainable welfare state, and they are financially viable. Very high incomes, wealth, and inheritances must no longer be exempt from the solidarity-based community.”
The coalition commissioned the polling firm YouGov to conduct a survey to find out how people in Germany feel about the welfare state, pensions, long-term care, appointments with specialists, and housing.
Among the most important findings is broad support for a strong welfare state: 79 percent of respondents say that an effective welfare state strengthens social cohesion. A clear majority of 73 percent supports requiring people with very high net worth to contribute more than they do now to its financing. Opinion is nearly unanimous on the topic of long-term care: 95 percent consider dignified inpatient and outpatient care to be necessary, without placing an excessive financial burden on anyone. Despite ongoing debates and disinformation campaigns, more than half of those surveyed would be willing to pay higher premiums if this resulted in an increase in their own pensions. When it comes to the allocation of appointments with medical specialists, a clear majority of 77 percent also advocates for strict equal treatment of those with public and private health insurance.
You can find the detailed results here
The Social State Alliance calls on the federal government to do more to advance the ecological transition and to ensure that urgently needed measures are implemented in a socially just manner—with a fair distribution of burdens and secure transitions for workers and regions.
Why this alliance now?
The Alliance is observing a worrying trend: More and more people are losing trust in public institutions, democratic parties, and the welfare state. This trend is reinforced by voices that portray the welfare state one-sidedly as a burden, rather than highlighting its role in social security, economic participation, and social cohesion. To address this, the organizations in the Alliance want to jointly increase pressure on policymakers.
Together, the signatory associations represent more than 20 million members, employees, volunteers, and those seeking assistance. Every day, they witness how solidarity takes shape and recognize the immense potential inherent in a just and effective welfare state. The associations are convinced that it is worth fighting for policies that strengthen the welfare state and benefit everyone in Germany.
Goals of the Alliance
The Social Welfare State Alliance pursues five central goals:
1. Strong, solidarity-based social security systems:
A strong welfare state requires solidarity-based and reliable funding for adequate pensions, healthcare systems, and long-term care. High-net-worth individuals should contribute more, while the burden on those with low and middle incomes should be eased.
2. A capable welfare state at the federal, state, and local levels:
Effective public services—from education to healthcare to housing—strengthen trust in the state and society.
3. Decent work and social protection:
Strengthen collective bargaining coverage, ensure fair minimum wages, improve working conditions, and implement labor market policies that support workers during times of change and transitions.
4. Effectively combat poverty and promote participation:
Reduce social inequality, promote inclusion, and ensure access to education for all.
5. Combining climate action with social security:
The ecological transition must be designed to be socially just—with a fair distribution of burdens and secure transitions for workers and regions.
Further information: Statement by the associations on the Social Welfare Alliance
Members of the Alliance
Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e. V.
Arbeiterwohlfahrt
German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation
German Caritas Association
German Trade Union Federation
German Tenants' Association
The Paritätische General Association
Diakonie Germany
IG Metall
Social Association of Germany (SoVD)
Social Association VdK Germany
United Services Union (ver.di)
People’s Solidarity
Central Welfare Office of Jews in Germany
Methodological Notes: The data from this survey are based on online interviews with members of the YouGov panel who gave their prior consent to participate. A total of 2,315 people were surveyed for this study between February 20 and 23, 2026. The survey was quota-weighted by age, gender, education, region, residential area, voting behavior, and political interest, and the results were subsequently weighted accordingly. The results are representative of the resident population in Germany aged 18 and older.
Further information and press photos of Hans-Jürgen Urban
