Unemployment benefits, union fees, adult education support, fireworks, wage theft... - Here are the SDP party congress initiatives
The SDP presented 538 initiatives at their party congress in May, addressing various issues including unemployment benefits, union fees, and fireworks sales.
Tragic final days of Victoria Climbie, 8, who was starved and beaten to death
The tragic case of Victoria Climbié, an 8-year-old girl who died due to severe abuse, has led to significant reforms in child protection laws in the UK.
Argentina: One year of Javier Milei, successes and failures
One year after taking office, President Javier Milei of Argentina has garnered significant attention as a right-wing figure, championing austerity and deregulation while maintaining stable social support.
"The Problem Is Not Money, But Design": Announcement of 9 Policy Demands for 'Social Finance'
A summit on social finance highlighted the need for structural reforms to support community-driven projects and enhance the role of social finance in addressing local needs in South Korea.
From Montagu Reforms to Periyar... How the foundation of reservation was laid in Tamil Nadu and the emergence of Periyar's social justice
The article explores the historical journey and significance of social justice and reservation in Tamil Nadu, tracing back to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 and the rise of Periyar's ideals.
Social Policy Course: SPD and Union – One Single Conflict of Goals
The article critiques demands for painful social reforms from the SPD and political opposition, highlighting the potential negative impacts on the German social welfare system.
Welfare State: Greens Offer Reform Assistance
The Green Party in Germany is proposing collaboration with the federal government for comprehensive social reforms requiring constitutional changes.
Making Access to the Constitutional Court More Accessible for Socially Vulnerable Groups
Proposed amendments aim to ensure that state-provided legal assistance in constitutional court processes is available at the initial stages of complaint preparation, enhancing accessibility for socially vulnerable individuals.
You have made public service worthwhile, Osinbajo tells Otti
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo praises Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his impactful leadership and social welfare reforms during a birthday visit.
"Digital Barrier" for Children? The Head of the Ministry of Education Reveals the Scale of the Problem
Barbara Nowacka reported that approximately 1.5 million children aged 7-13 use applications that contain inappropriate content affecting their development, sparking a call for educational and legal reforms in Poland.
Bereaved mum makes urgent plea to Keir Starmer to stop kids dying like her son
Ellen Roome appeals to Keir Starmer for urgent reforms to prevent children's deaths linked to social media.
Changing Party Financing Causes Disagreements Among Politicians
Changes in party financing are leading to disagreements among Estonian politicians about how to proceed with the reforms.
The Social Security Reform is a matter of fiscal and justice
Brazil's social security system faces significant financial challenges, prompting discussions for new reforms to address the rising deficit.
Straight Words from Jani Mäkelä on Juuso's Resignation – Pointed Out the Guilty
Jani Mäkelä speaks out regarding Kaisa Juuso's resignation from her ministerial role, indicating that external criticism played a significant part in her decision.
Germany explores a reform of the social system that incentivizes working more hours
The German government is proposing reforms to its social system to encourage full-time employment and reduce reliance on social benefits amid economic challenges.
The list of savings in social services from Kaisa Juuso's working group is published - the savings target cannot be reached without weakening services
A working group led by Finland's Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Kaisa Juuso, has announced that achieving the proposed 100 million euros in annual savings in social services is impossible without compromising the quality of these services.
Investigator: Children should not be taken into care arbitrarily
Recent revelations have uncovered cases of child custody decisions based on incorrect information, prompting calls for reforms to ensure greater legal security in the decision-making process.
Conflict of Directions: Bas or Klingbeil? The SPD Must Decide
The Social Democrats in Germany are at a crossroads, debating whether to lean left to defend the status quo or embrace reforms under the leadership of Bas or Klingbeil.
Future of the Welfare State: Tax Increases Instead of Reforms?
The article discusses the German government's shift from initial reform intentions to a focus on tax increases to address welfare state challenges.
SZ in the Evening: News from February 9, 2026
Concerns rise about NATO's future as world leaders gather for a security conference in Munich, with significant speeches expected from figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Party Executive Board Retreat: What the SPD's Resolutions Mean for the Coalition
The SPD plans to develop a new foundational program over the next two years, focusing on societal cohesion and social state reforms amidst a changing world order.
Milei's Prophecy Urging the Government
Javier Milei's administration faces challenges as public tolerance wavers amid economic reforms and social discontent.
SPD: A Party Between Power Source and Wrecking Ball
The SPD aims to reinvent itself amid significant reforms while communicating the importance of the social state to its members.
How the Federal Government Delays Necessary Reforms for Election Calculations
The German government is postponing urgent social reforms to avoid burdening election campaigns in the federal states, leading to rumors of significant initiatives being developed.
Cuts to social assistance push unemployed Niko to the brink of homelessness: 'This is the starting shot straight to the street'
Unemployed since 2020, Niko Huuskonen fears homelessness if his social assistance is cut in half due to new reforms targeting €70 million in savings.
Dispute over reforms escalates: "Outrageous attacks by the Union on employees"
German unions are responding with strong verbal attacks against CDU/CSU and employers regarding potential government plans for social state reform, emphasizing a need for higher wages and a robust social system to strengthen the economy.
SDP faults Senate over real-time result transmission
The Social Democratic Party criticizes the Senate's resistance to full transparency in election result transmission, urging citizens to oppose any rollback on reforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Saudi Arabia allows the sale of alcohol to rich foreigners
Saudi Arabia has quietly begun allowing affluent foreign residents to purchase alcohol, marking a significant shift after a 73-year ban, with expectations for a future expansion of these regulations to tourists as part of broader social and economic reforms in the kingdom.
Sheinbaum calls to defend sovereignty and social justice: "Mexico does not bend and does not sell"
President Claudia Sheinbaum commemorated the 109th anniversary of the 1917 Constitution in Querétaro, recognizing the legislative work that has led to historic reforms.
Current debates on social reforms are "definitely destructive"
Communication expert Bela Anda describes the social welfare debates within the black-red coalition as "definitely destructive," citing a lack of progress due to a lack of calmness.
JU Chief Winkel Wants to Save "Dozens of Billions a Year" on Social Benefits
Johannes Winkel, leader of the Young Union, highlights significant savings potential in social welfare, advocating for reforms in pension and social state to enhance efficiency.
Junts announces its 'no' to the anti-eviction moratorium while the Government secures support for pensions
Junts has announced its opposition to the anti-eviction moratorium, jeopardizing the government's social shield decree as it simultaneously seeks support for pension reforms.
"Of course, not everything can be ready by December" – Chancellor's Office Chief dampens reform expectations
Chancellor's Office Minister Thorsten Frei has tempered expectations for significant reforms this year, emphasizing a focus on the pension system while reassuring that some major social reforms will be implemented by the end of 2023.
VIDEOS: RJ2 of Monday, February 2, 2026
The article discusses various significant developments including the approval of a bill for gas cylinders for low-income families, ethical reforms in Brazil's judiciary, and security updates for the PIX payment system.
Strikes Instead of Reforms: The End of Social Partnership
The Verdi strike in public transport highlights a growing discontent in Germany, reflecting a desire for the kind of social upheaval seen in France rather than collective effort towards economic reform.
Green Leader Brantner Accuses Chancellor Merz of Disdain for Germans
Green Party leader Franziska Brantner sharply criticizes Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accusing him of contempt for the population amid reform discussions, warning of social cuts affecting part-time work and dental costs.
"I don't think it's right for colleague Söder to just come around with an hour's notice"
Gordon Schnieder, the CDU's leading candidate for the state election in Rhineland-Palatinate, rejects discussions about patient dental cost sharing and increased workload, criticizing the focus on short-term headlines.
This won't lead to reforms
The suggestion from the CDU's economic wing regarding private payment for dental treatments highlights the frustration over the coalition's lack of reforms, emphasizing the need for a review of all social benefits.
"As if they were driving a 911 into a wall"
CDU politician Caroline Bosbach calls for significant reforms in taxes, social contributions, and infrastructure, stating, "We need to go where it hurts."
Reforms: The current social market economy is not social enough for the SPD
The SPD is focusing on justice in the 2026 Super Election Year, but faces criticism for being too business-friendly from within its ranks.
Welfare State: Citizen Money is Still the Least Problem
The article discusses the misconceptions surrounding the Citizen Money in relation to welfare state reforms, emphasizing that while it may be criticized, the real issues that need addressing are being overlooked.
Outdated - Social Association Calls for More Street Social Work
Following the death of a suspected homeless man in Hamburg, a social association is demanding reforms in homeless assistance, criticizing the current approach as outdated, particularly the use of collective accommodations.
New Basic Security: This Reform Does Not Compensate for the Expensive Pension Package
The 'New Basic Security' reform is unlikely to cause harm, but it fails to address significant shortcomings after a troubled season of reforms.
Employers demand more ambition – 'The system is antisocial because it is opaque'
In Germany, employers are calling for deeper reforms to the management of over 500 social benefits, criticizing the current system's lack of transparency and efficiency.
From the 1982 law to the Grok era: the difficult offensive to eliminate 'deepfakes' of minors
The article discusses the global scandal surrounding the sexualization of minors through deepfake technology and the various efforts being made to combat this issue, including legal reforms and European initiatives.
Washington thinks in its own categories - without regard for European sensitivities
The CEO of Deutsche Bank, Christian Sewing, warns of structural stagnation in the economy, calling for bureaucracy reduction, social reforms, and an investment offensive as the U.S. pursues its own goals without considering European concerns.
"We must not scare people," warns the top employee representative in the CDU
The social wing of the CDU urges a reasonable tone regarding planned social reforms, emphasizing the need for the government to provide guidance rather than instill fear among citizens.
This is how the generational contract is terminated
The article discusses the potential collapse of the social system without reforms, despite loving relationships between grandparents and grandchildren.
"I tell you: We take care of our security. We live in a safe country"
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) calls for confidence and advocates for essential reforms for the economy and social state despite global crises in his New Year's address.
Retiring at 66 years and 8 months comes to an end: the new retirement age for 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, the retirement age will be raised by two months compared to 2025 as part of ongoing pension reforms approved in 2011.