FDP leader Dürr calls for up to 20 euros less in citizens' money
Especially the FDP has been pushing for a reduction in unemployment benefits for some time. The decrease in inflation makes this possible, argues faction leader Dürr. He wants recipients to receive 14 to 20 euros less per month. This is supposed to increase the pressure to take a job and relieve the state treasury.
FDP faction leader Christian Dürr has spoken out in favor of a reduction in unemployment benefits. Given the development of inflation, unemployment benefits are currently "14 to 20 euros too high per month," Dürr told the "Bild" newspaper. "My proposal would be an adjustment downwards, because the inflation was estimated higher in the last calculation than it actually developed. This would relieve the taxpayers by up to 850 million euros and also increase the incentives to work," said Dürr.
Unemployment benefits have increased by a total of 12 percent since the beginning of 2024. Singles have been receiving 563 euros per month, 61 euros more. Beneficiaries can expect a possible zero round in 2025.
At the beginning of 2024, the basic security rates had increased significantly compared to previous years, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Labor said at the end of July. This was due to the high inflation beforehand. "We are currently expecting that, given the now decreasing price increases, it is likely that there will be no increase as of January 1, 2025."
Germany spent around 42.6 billion euros on unemployment benefits last year, compared to 36.6 billion the previous year. The state cannot arbitrarily reduce unemployment benefits. It is intended to secure a dignified existence for those who cannot cover their living expenses from their own income and assets.
FDP's proposal to reduce unemployment benefits could potentially lead to recipients losing "14 to 20 euros" per month, as suggested by faction leader Dürr. If implemented, this adjustment could relieve the state treasury of up to 850 million euros.
