Social Policy

China has rolled out a new guideline to deepen the development of youth-friendly cities, aiming to create an environment where young people can enter, stay, live comfortably and succeed in their careers. The guideline, jointly issued by 15 central departments, outlines 18 specific measures covering industry foundations, innovation support, urban planning, housing, childcare and employment.

6 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

The mothers' pension has cost around 119 billion euros since its introduction in 2014 and currently burdens the pension insurance with 13.5 billion euros per year. From 2027, an expansion by another six months will raise costs to 18.5 billion euros, funded by tax revenues. The measure equalizes child-rearing periods for mothers before and after 1992 but faces criticism due to pressure on the pension system.

German Labor Minister Bärbel Bas is open to reforming the pension system by tying retirement entry to the number of contribution years rather than age alone. She views the idea as fundamentally sound and anticipates discussions in the pension commission. The proposal aims for greater fairness across varied career paths.

6 Mwezi wa kumi na mbili, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

The French Senate adopted amendments to retain the disability allowance for adults (AAH) as income in calculating the activity bonus, rejecting a government measure for budget savings. This decision, made on December 6, highlights tensions over the professional integration of disabled people. The government anticipated savings of 90 million euros in 2026.

In search of savings, the French government plans to delay the family allowance boost from the second child until age 18, up from 14. Set for March 2026, the change would save around 200 million euros. It aims to fund a new birth leave amid budget pressures.

18 Mwezi wa kumi, 2025 Imeripotiwa na AI

Nicolas Duvoux, president of the National Council for Policies to Combat Poverty, warns of worsening poverty due to the 2026 budget project. In an interview with Le Monde, he expresses concern over the impact of freezing social benefits for precarious individuals. This follows a record increase in the poverty rate announced by Insee in July.