Debate sharper rules - FDP will far-reaching tightening of social benefits
In the debate on Citizen's Income, the FDP is advocating for fundamental reforms. FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai pointed to the planned tightening measures that the traffic light coalition is already planning in the context of the upcoming federal budget and a growth package. Djir-Sarai told the German Press Agency: "That's not enough. We want further reforms for Citizen's Income." Performance should first and foremost be rewarded more. Secondly, social expenditures of the state should focus more on those who truly need support.
The CDU is undecided on this issue and has no clear line, the FDP General Secretary continued. The reform ideas of General Secretary Carsten Linnemann are being criticized and already rejected within the CDU. "Those who value performance-based justice should therefore not rely on the CDU," said Djir-Sarai.
Linnemann wants to withdraw Citizen's Income
CDU General Secretary Linnemann had demanded, presumably for allegedly unwilling Citizen's Income recipients to completely withdraw the basic security. Immediate criticism of Linnemann's demand came from the Vice-Chairman of the Christian Democratic Labor Union (CDA), Christian Baumler. "Who is not reachable for the job centers often has psychological problems." Forcing people in Germany to go hungry is not consistent with the Christian human image, said the CDU social politician.
Against the backdrop of increased spending on Citizen's Income, the federal government has already announced regulatory tightenings to encourage more recipients to take up work. The steps planned as part of the growth initiative are intended to "give even more incentives for taking up employment," according to the Federal Press Office, after the cabinet adopted a corresponding concept.
Among other things, a longer way to work should be acceptable in the future, rejection of a reasonable job with increased benefit reductions should be punished, and black work should lead to reductions. Legal adjustments are to be adopted together with the budget law or later in the second half of 2024 in the cabinet.
- Bijan Djir-Sarai, the FDP's General Secretary, expressed his views on the Citizen's Income debate in Berlin, criticizing the planned tightening measures by the Traffic-Coalition.
- Djir-Sarai emphasized that the FDP advocates for further reforms in Citizen's Income, highlighting the need to reward performance and prioritize support for those truly in need.
- Carsten Linnemann, the CDU's General Secretary, proposed a controversial idea to withdraw Citizen's Income for allegedly unwilling recipients.
- This proposal was met with immediate criticism from Christian Baumler, the Vice-Chairman of the Christian Democratic Labor Union (CDA), who argued against forcing people with psychological issues into joblessness.
- Linnemann's demand for Citizen's Income recipients to completely withdraw their basic security has caused division within the CDU, with his reform ideas facing criticism and rejection from party members.
- In response to the potential increase in spending on Citizen's Income, the German government has announced regulatory tightenings to encourage more recipients to take up work as part of the growth package.
- Similar measures, such as allowing a longer commute, punishing rejection of reasonable jobs with increased benefit reductions, and addressing black work, are planned to incentivize employment, according to the German Press Agency.
