The trade unions support fair competition between public and private services, provided that citizens participate in stipulating the quality standards which are to pertain. Public supervision must ensure that there is a focus on the common good, and that the rule of law and social and environmental considerations are observed. The public sector must remain capable in the future of tackling essential tasks and financing these by cross-transfer. The government's scope for action is unacceptably constrained by the sale of profitable business areas, by inadequate financial resources and by failure to make the required investments. We are against privatizing profit while society as a whole foots the bill for losses.
Affordable housing is one of the basic needs of each and every individual.
It must be in adequate supply for lower and middle income groups as well as for families with children and for the elderly. Freedom and personal responsibility can only develop if an ample material and social basis is created by means of solidarity and social effort. Agreed rules founded on solidarity have always been the precondition for individuality. Our system of social insurance faces new challenges arising from economic, social and demographic changes in society, the persistence of mass unemployment and incorrect distribution of the burdens arising from German unification. Combating unemployment is the best way to prevent poverty and need, and to place these systems, designed to guarantee social benefits, health care and pensions, on a sound footing.