Intense Criticism Aimed at Söder's Proposed Plans
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder is under fire for his plans to reduce around 10,000 planning positions in the public administration by 2040, a move that has sparked concern and criticism from various associations and educators across the region.
In an interview with the "Münchner Merkur" published on September 18, 2025, Söder announced this ambitious plan. However, the proposed job cuts have raised alarm bells among those who fear the impact on the already strained public service.
Manuela Dietz, the responsible regional department head of Verdi, has emphasised the immense workload faced by the public service. She pointed out that overtime is piling up, personnel is lacking, and sick leave often remains uncompensated. Dietz's sentiments were echoed by Bernhard Stiedl, chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation in Bavaria, who described the move as a disastrous signal.
The personnel shortage situation for this school year has been overcome, according to the chairmen of the Philologists' Association and the Directors' Association. However, they have criticised Söder's plans for the education sector, viewing them as harmful and potentially poisonous to an already stressed sector. BLLV President Simone Fleischmann has also voiced her opposition to cuts, coercion, and savings in the education system.
Part-time teachers, who have recently been reinforced, feel demoralised at the prospect of forced part-time reductions being considered, according to unnamed sources. The associations believe that Söder's plans are demotivating and destroy trust in the state government, especially in the gymnasial school family.
Rainer Nachtigall, chairman of the Bavarian Civil Servants' Association, has called on Söder to keep talking about making the public service future-proof while consolidating public finances. The joint statement from the Philologists' Association and the Directors' Association condemns Söder's plans as harmful to the education sector.
Stiedl also mentioned that the state's ability to act is at risk due to these job cuts. In many offices, schools, and social institutions, overtime is piling up and personnel is lacking, according to Dietz. The associations believe that Söder's plans are demotivating and destroy trust in the state government, especially in the gymnasial school family.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Söder's plans will impact the public service and the education sector in Bavaria. One thing is certain: the proposed job cuts have sparked a heated conversation and raised serious questions about the future of the public sector in the region.
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