Caution on the assertion that Germany's approach to social welfare is "socialist". The German welfare state was established under the leadership of Bismark on the basis on conservative principles and 'solidarity'. Bismark was most certainly not a socialist.  Traditional conservatism actually acknowledges a very strong, central role for the state and in the context of 'solidarity' that includes social protection.

Germany's more recent investments in early child education and care is based on the emergent construct of the 'social investment state'. A construct that can graft with neo-liberalism or social democracy. With a need to increase the size and capacity of the labour force, the CDU (conservative) and SDU (socialist) found the policy sweet spot. Universal child care to encourage and support the entry of more women in the labour force. And from a future forward lens, to facilitate the development of children with the skills and capacity to participate in a complex market economy.