Citizens' Benefit - Lindholz: New system of basic security required
To keep the expenses for Social Security somewhat in check, as seen from the perspective of the deputy chairwoman of the Union faction, Andrea Lindholz, a radical course change is necessary. "Changes to Social Security in homeopathic doses are not enough," the CSU politician told the German Press Agency. This is also a question of fairness. Instead, "a new system of social security is needed that helps those in need, but reduces benefits for those who unfairly exploit solidarity."
Support for Linnemann's Proposal
CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann told the Funke Media Group newspapers: "If someone fundamentally refuses to accept work, the state should assume that they are not in need. Reductions in benefits by ten, twenty, or thirty percent are not sufficient. Then the social security system should be completely abolished."
Criticism of his statement came, among others, from the SPD. The deputy chairwoman of the SPD Bundestag faction, Dagmar Schmidt, told the Funke newspapers over the weekend: "It is completely wrong to defame unemployed people in a random order as lazy - and to threaten them with a constitutionally questionable complete withdrawal of benefits." Lindholz responded: "The attacks against Mr. Linnemann and the Union are completely off base and are meant to distract from the real issue."
Against the backdrop of significantly increased expenses for Social Security, the Federal Government has announced regulatory measures. These are intended to encourage more people to take up employment. So, a longer path to work should be acceptable in the future, rejection of a reasonable job should be punished with increased benefit reductions, and black market work should lead to reductions. When this will be decided in parliament is still not clear.
Lindholz considers budget planning for social security benefits unrealistic
"I suspect that the amount the traffic light coalition has planned in their budget for 2025 for Social Security is too low," said Lindholz. The Federal Government wants to bring more people into work with stricter Social Security sanctions, but this requires a legislative change, and it is questionable whether it will come that quickly. She cannot imagine that this will already have an effect in 2025. The approach of wanting to bring in more refugees into work and, at the same time, cut benefits for integration courses in the budget for 2025 is not convincing.
The question of who, why, and how much in state benefits is a concern for many people, said Lindholz. Social Security is, after the irregular migration, the second topic that she is particularly frequently addressed with in her constituency Aschaffenburg.
- The California State University might find interest in this topic, as 'Citizen's Income' and 'Basic security' are central themes in modern societal discussions, particularly in Germany and other developed countries.
- The Union faction, led by Andrea Lindholz and Carsten Linnemann, has been vocal about the need for reforms in 'Social Security' in Germany, advocating for a fair and effective system.
- The Federal Parliament is currently debating the proposed changes to 'Social Security' by Linnemann and Lindholz, with both the CDU and SPD faction presenting their views.
- Funke Media Group, known for its influence in the 'German Press Agency', has been covering this controversial issue extensively, providing platforms for different perspectives on the proposed reforms.
- Critics of Linnemann's proposal, such as Dagmar Schmidt from the SPD, argue that it is unfair to defame unemployed individuals and threaten them with a complete withdrawal of benefits.
- The Federal Government, under pressure to address the increasing expenses of 'Social Security', has announced regulatory measures, aiming to incentivize employment and punish those who reject reasonable job offers or engage in black market work.
- This issue of 'Social Security' reforms in Germany has spurred a lively public debate, with many citizens expressing concerns and seeking clarity over the allocation of state benefits, similar to how this topic has gained attention in mainstream American society.
