The president of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities, Andre Bergeiger, called on the German federal government to establish a national fund to combat the feeling of loneliness and allocate 500 million euros for this purpose.
The "Berliner Morgenpost" newspaper quoted the president of the association saying, "The Association of Towns and Municipalities has warned of an imminent decade dominated by loneliness, calling for increased investment in social infrastructure."
The president of the Association of Towns and Municipalities pointed out that volunteer work can do a lot, "but it cannot bridge every gap."
He said, "Therefore, in addition to improving the financial support provided to municipalities in general, there is also a need for a strong federal and government program to combat the feeling of loneliness. A loneliness combating fund can help establish effective support structures."
According to him, the fund should be provided with an amount of 500 million euros for the current legislative period.
Bergeiger explained that the funding could come from European Union funds, the remaining federal budget, or redistribution within individual budget items.
Bergeiger believes that these funds should go to libraries and other institutions that create opportunities for people to connect.
According to data from the German Authority for Assistance upon Depression Appearance, one in four adults in Germany feels lonely.
