German Aid Organization Criticizes Government Budget for Humanitarian Aid Cuts
The aid organization Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe criticizes the German government's 2027 budget, stating that more funds are allocated to company cars and fuel subsidies than to people in need.
Berlin – The German government's budget decision for 2027 has drawn sharp criticism from the international aid organization Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe. The organization argues that the government is prioritizing spending on company car benefits and fuel subsidies over humanitarian aid, despite over 240 million people globally requiring urgent assistance.
According to Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, government funding for humanitarian aid has significantly decreased in recent years. The 2027 budget includes further cuts to the budgets of the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The organization contends that this direction contradicts Germany's declared commitment to international responsibility.
The organization contrasts the allocated funds for humanitarian aid with the government's other expenditures. For instance, the tax benefits for company cars result in an annual tax revenue loss of approximately 2.5 billion euros. Additionally, fuel subsidies and diesel support consume substantial amounts. Bianca Kaltschmitt, deputy general secretary for Help, stated that "humanitarian aid saves lives" and that cutting back in this area will lead to significantly higher costs—humanitarian, security-political, and economic—in the future.
Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe highlights that reallocating even a small portion of these funds would suffice to finance life-saving interventions for millions. The organization has already increased efficiency by collaborating with local partners, but continued cuts make it increasingly challenging to meet the growing needs. The organization urges the Bundestag to correct the planned budget reductions and prioritize saving human lives.