Federal President Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender invited around 60 volunteers from all over Germany, as well as representatives from politics, business, trade unions, culture and civil society, to the traditional New Year’s reception on 9 January 2026.
Prof. Dr Martin Bujard, Chairman of AGF, was a guest as a representative of family organisations. In a brief conversation with the Federal President, the AGF Chairman referred to the meeting between the AGF members and the President at the beginning of last year. In light of the discussion at the meeting about time policy for families, he mentioned the calculations on the concept for a dynamic family working time, which have now been finalized. In further discussions with other guests from civil society, the judiciary, culture, and politics, he emphasized the importance of supporting families, especially in these uncertain times, and recognizing their diverse contributions, both within the immediate family circle and to society as a whole.