Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband: Poverty rate in Hesse rises to 17.3 percent

Regional differences within Hesse

Significant regional differences are evident within Hesse. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, the city of Kassel has the highest poverty rate at 19.2 percent, followed by Gießen at 18.4 percent. In Darmstadt, the rate is 16.4 percent. The figures were published by the Federal Statistical Office in February, according to the association.

According to the assessment of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, older people, women, households with children, people with support needs, and especially single parents are particularly affected. Many of the approximately one million affected individuals are severely restricted in their social participation; some already have to save on food.

Affected groups and causes

Yasmin Alinaghi, state managing director of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband Hessen, warns of a political misdevelopment. "The alarming figures show that the current discussions about cuts in the social sector are completely out of touch with reality and that the voices of poor or poverty-affected people are not heard enough in political discourse," Alinaghi said. The debate about austerity measures in the social sector thus affects a growing group of people who are dependent on support.

The finding is also clearly articulated within the association. Kristina Nottbohm, head of fundamental issues at Paritätischer Hessen, said: "Inequality in society is growing." Nottbohm also pointed to concrete political areas of action that, from the association's perspective, need to be given more attention.

Demands of the association

As measures against rising poverty, the association proposes free meals in daycare centers and schools, comprehensive all-day care for all first grades, and effective containment of rising rents. These proposals primarily target families with children and single parents, who are particularly frequently affected by poverty.

The Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband Hessen sees the new figures as a signal that extends beyond state borders. The increased rate shows that economic burdens such as rent increases and inflation are increasingly affecting the middle of society. The association calls on state politics to strengthen social infrastructure and give more political voice to poverty-affected groups.

From the association's perspective, the upcoming budget deliberations at the state and federal levels will show whether the growing social challenges are being adequately considered. Until then, the poverty rate in Hesse remains an indicator of growing division between different population groups.