Bas criticizes debate on cuts to citizens' income: "This is populism"

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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1. The SPD politician, Bärbel Bas, criticized the debate on cuts to citizens' income, labeling it as "populism".
2. Bas cautioned against the use of populism, stating that it creates a divide between social groups under financial pressure.
3. She emphasized that many impoverished individuals are unable to work due to circumstances beyond their control and should not be stigmatized.
4. In a challenging budget scenario, Bas urged against fueling resentment through calls for social cuts, as it could inadvertently foster a xenophobic climate.
5. The current debate, according to Bas, often oversimplifies issues by assigning blame, a practice she strongly criticized.
6. Despite Bas's concerns, she acknowledged that this blame-shifting narrative has gained traction in significant portions of society.
7. In her constituency, the Bundestag President noted, people often advocate for reducing social benefits, mistakenly believing it will curb migration.
8. Bas's constituency representation is in the Bundestag for Duisburg I, a fact she mentioned in the context of these societal trends.
9. News outlet AFP reported on Bas's stance against the populist debate over citizens' income, highlighting her efforts to counter such sentiments.

Source: www.stern.de