Prime Minister Begins Summer Tour Day with Daycare Visit
Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger continued her summer tour on Friday with a visit to a daycare center.
Together with Education Minister Christine Streichert-Clivot, she visited the “Villa Winzig” in Neunkirchen, which originated from a parents' initiative in 1990 and was opened in 1992 as the first nursery in the Neunkirchen district.
To this day, the facility is characterized by a special educational concept with few closure days, extended opening hours, and active parental involvement. During a tour and discussions with the daycare management and the sponsoring association, Education Minister Streichert-Clivot praised the care concept. “Here, children learn many skills playfully and age-appropriately that are important for a successful start at school.” Head of government Rehlinger said: “On August 1st, daycare fees will be reduced again, and by January 1, 2027, we will have completely abolished them. This is the largest net salary increase many families in Saarland have ever received and important because other things are becoming more expensive at the moment. At the same time, we are expanding daycare places and providing additional state funds with the daycare turbo exactly where the demand is greatest. With additional efforts, we are also recruiting more staff for our daycares and legally reducing the number of possible closure days.”
Prime Minister Rehlinger at the daycare "Villa Winzig" in NeunkirchenState Chancellery of Saarland/Jennifer Weyland
After a brief stop at the Saarpark-Center Neunkirchen, Rehlinger visited the counseling center “Nele” in Saarbrücken. “Nele” supports girls and young women affected by sexualized violence. The facility offers a protected space for counseling, accompanies those affected during criminal proceedings, and also supports relatives. “Nele does indispensable work for affected girls and women. Those who experience violence need people who listen, take them seriously, and provide professional support. This counseling center has stood for exactly that for many years,” said Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger.
Prime Minister Rehlinger in conversation with employees of the Nele counseling centerState Chancellery of Saarland/Jennifer Weyland
In the afternoon, Prime Minister Rehlinger informed herself at the “NatureLAB” on the Wendelinushof in St. Wendel about the work of the nonprofit association, which has also received funding from the “Saarland zum Selbermachen” program of the State Chancellery. Founded in 2021, the association is committed to the protection of nature and biodiversity. Together with schools and kindergartens, NatureLAB imparts knowledge about native animal and plant species especially to children and adolescents and raises awareness of their protection. Through practical hands-on activities, such as building insect hotels or nesting aids for birds, participants experience nature conservation firsthand.
The conclusion of the second day of the summer tour was the visit to the Jägersfreuder fair. After the traditional keg tapping, Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger took the opportunity to engage in conversations with numerous visitors and exchange views on current topics as well as local social life.
All information about the Prime Minister’s summer tour can be found at www.saarland.de/mpsommertour
