Bas criticizes debate on cuts to citizens' income: "This is populism"
"This is populism that talks us into a climate where it's all about poor versus rich, migrant background or not," criticized the SPD politician. "We democratic parties should not take part in this."
Bas warned against pitting social groups against each other under the current pressure to save money. "I know many people who are really very poor and who cannot work or do not have a work permit," said the Bundestag President. "They are not lazy or have come to Germany to receive social benefits."
In view of the difficult budget situation, Bas warned against stirring up resentment by calling for social cuts. The current debate is too often about "apportioning blame", criticized the SPD politician. "However, we must not place people under general suspicion. We must be careful not to talk ourselves into a xenophobic climate." Because this is "also the recipe of the populists", said Bas.
The President of the Bundestag expressed concern that this kind of finger-pointing had already caught on in large sections of the population. "The saying 'We have to cut social benefits now and then the migrants will stop coming' is completely wrong," she said. "But it's difficult to get that back. I notice that in my constituency too," said the SPD politician, who represents the Duisburg I constituency in the Bundestag.
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Source: www.stern.de
