Olaf Scholz had hardly any space in his quota cabinet for social democratic men.

Nevertheless, Hubertus Heil was considered set.

As labor minister in the grand coalition, he achieved more for his party than was stipulated in the coalition agreement, such as the basic pension.

Again and again Salvation's advances brought the government partner into distress.

On the supply chain law, Heil teamed up with the CSU Development Minister and Chancellor Merkel early on in order to slow down the economic wing of the Union.

The result is a law pervaded by high morals and deep distrust of companies.

Union Heil's attempt to establish a permanent right to work from home in the pandemic barely stopped.

His work contributed a lot to the SPD's election victory.

Now he can bring in the harvest with Scholz.

The three key words minimum wage, further education republic and pension outline the great ambitions of the old and new minister of social affairs: Heil will continue to expand the welfare state in the future not only by expanding traditional services, but also by making companies responsible for his idea of ​​“good” work takes.

Heil has only respected the collective bargaining autonomy enshrined in the Basic Law as long as the decisions jointly agreed by employers and trade unions fit his business.

If, in his opinion, the employee side does not enforce enough, he will be happy to provide legal assistance.

The companies initially bear the costs of this social policy.

The minister shines without burdening the state treasury.

A prime example is the unscheduled EUR 12 minimum wage increase on the back of the corona-torn service providers.

If the experiment, which was twice as daring in times of inflation, should lead to more unemployed, Heils new citizens' money (Hartz IV two years almost unconditionally) and qualification money will ensure a soft landing in the deficit social coffers.

He also needs tax and contribution payers in order to be able to continue the cuddle course on pension policy.

Heils reappointment promises continuity in welfare state comfort.

It would not be the first time that reality has caught up with an SPD-led government faster than it would like.