Germany to Become More Family-Friendly

Germany should be Europe's family-friendliest country. This aim was suggested by the German Minister for Family Affairs, Renate Schmidt in a meeting with the German President Horst Köhler and unions and representatives of the economy and science sectors. Schmidt said, "The topic of family policy will gain importance for the nation. It will be an important agenda for all important social forces." President Köhler insured that he would work towards a future of Germany with more children. Also, German Minister of Economy, Wolfgang Clement has said that Germany needs to work more on compatibility between job and family. According to international standards, Germany lies way behind when it comes to having flexible work-hours.