Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
In a series of recent statements, Bärbel Bas, the current Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, has expressed her preference for her previous role as President of the Bundestag.
During her tenure as Bundestag President, Bas was known for her active engagement in traditions and symbolic acts, such as attending Pride parades and raising the LGBTQ flag over the Bundestag in 2023 and 2024. This environment, she suggests, was more fulfilling compared to her current ministerial role.
As Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Bas has taken on a more complex and policy-focused role. Notably, she has submitted a draft bill impacting social benefits for Ukrainians in Germany.
The shift in responsibilities from a more ceremonial and parliamentary leadership role to a more politically charged and administrative one could be a contributing factor to Bas's expressed preference. Parliamentary presidencies often carry a non-partisan, unifying character, while ministerial roles tend to involve partisan policy decisions and administrative challenges.
Bas has also expressed concern about a "massive democracy problem" in Germany, specifically referring to organized attacks against women in top positions, such as the failed election of constitutional judge Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf. She has called for more female role models in top positions, suggesting the need for a Chancellor or Federal President.
On the issue of pension reform, 81 percent of Germans do not believe that the black-red coalition will achieve a genuine reform, according to ARD's "Deutschlandtrend". Economist Veronika Grimm has warned that the planned reforms are not affordable and would worsen the sustainability of the pension insurance.
Bas has defended the Federal Chancellor against accusations of betraying Israel and has advised better communication within the faction on the Israel weapons delivery issue. She has also called for a bit more obligation for those who can work on the Citizen's Allowance and has proposed tougher participation obligations, with proposals for waiting periods, assets, and obligations coming in the fall.
Looking ahead, Bas will be attending the Young Euro Classic 2025 at the Admiralspalast, while the "Christmas Story" will be in Berlin from 07.11.-28.12.25. The TV Noir in August 2025 will also be held at the Admiralspalast.
In a self-critical statement, Bas admitted that she might be at risk of being transferred, but insisted that the pension level will not be lowered. However, the topic of rent was discussed, with experts warning that the planned reforms are not affordable and would worsen the sustainability of the pension insurance.
Despite these challenges, Bas remains committed to her role and continues to advocate for change and reform in her current position as Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
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