German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had previously vowed to "slay the bureaucratic monster" he says characterizes the country's welfare programs.
A commission appointed by the government, which includes the Social Democrats (SPD) as well as the conservative CDU/CSU, is proposing major changes, AFP reports.
A large number of authorities that handle welfare issues will be streamlined. Bureaucratic paperwork related to, among other things, grants will be simplified, and more services will be able to be performed online.
However, no cuts in actual contributions are being prepared, according to Labor and Social Affairs Minister Bärbel Bas of the SPD.
