The SPD faction leaders in the state parliaments, the Bundestag and the European Parliament are committed to better financing of education policy. Every level that makes political decisions must also provide the necessary financial resources, according to a joint statement that parliamentarians decided at a meeting in Kiel. Education financing between Europe, the federal government, the states and the municipalities must be put to the test.

Education to strengthen society

Education gives people strength, inspiration and creativity. Education strengthens society. “Our democracy needs democrats who oppose division, hatred and incitement,” the resolution continues. Civil society depends on committed citizens.

According to the will of the parliamentary group leaders, schools should be turned into places of learning for democracy. Every student should therefore visit a concentration camp memorial and a parliament at least once during their school career. Funding pots should be created for this purpose.

Education should be free

Another demand concerns free care and good food for students. Each federal state currently regulates whether and to what extent parents have to be involved in looking after their children in daycare and school. “We want to change that because we are convinced that education must be free.”

A digital pact 2.0 is also necessary in order to avoid further burdening municipalities when it comes to equipping schools with digital infrastructure. “We have to bring our schools up to date,” said Schleswig-Holstein SPD parliamentary group leader Serpil Midyatli.