CDU wants to abolish citizen's income in its current form
The CDU wants to abolish the Citizen's Income, which was only introduced on January 1, in its current form. Secretary General Carsten Linnemann told the "Bild" newspaper on Monday and the "Süddeutsche Zeitung". The party wants to "anchor" the demand in the new basic program, as Linnemann emphasized. The Secretary General also heads his party's basic program commission.
"If you don't want to work, you don't have to - but you can't expect the general public to pay for your living," Linnemann told the Süddeutsche Zeitung. What is needed are "more incentives to take up a job". In the "Bild" interview, he said: "Anyone who can work and receives social benefits must take a job after six months at the latest, otherwise they must do community work".
The citizen's income, the successor to Hartz IV, was introduced on January 1, 2023. The federal government already has to spend more money this year than originally planned. From January, the standard rates for Citizen's Income and social assistance are to increase by a good twelve percent. Single adults are to receive 563 euros per month - 61 euros more than before. Adults living with a partner will receive 506 euros instead of the previous 451 euros. Young people aged 15 to under 18 will receive 471 euros in future (previously 420). For children from the age of 7 to the age of 14, the rate will rise from 348 to 390 euros. For the youngest children, it will rise from 318 to 357 euros.
The CDU's plan to revise the Citizen's Income system might impact social affairs, as Secretary General Carsten Linnemann suggested introducing more incentives for work to offset potential financial burdens on the household budgets of those receiving benefits. With the proposed changes, individuals who can work but receive social benefits would be expected to seek employment within six months or engage in community work.
Source: www.dpa.com
