Lindner in favor of a review of social benefits
Finance Minister Christian Lindner wants to put social benefits to the test in the fight against the labor shortage. There are hundreds of thousands of people in Germany who could work, but for whom it is currently hardly worthwhile, said the FDP leader at a congress of the mechanical engineering association VDMA in Berlin.
"I therefore believe that we need to examine the landscape of our various social benefits from the perspective of the wage gap requirement and the incentive to work. Because it is also an ethical issue to ensure that, in every constellation, those who work have more than those who don't." This would not only make the welfare state affordable, but could also increase reserves in the labor market.
Lindner emphasized that he was not satisfied with the economic dynamics in the country. This is not only due to short-term economic effects, but above all to structural problems. A new economic and financial policy agenda was needed, including a reduction in the tax burden and investment in public infrastructure.
Lindner also called for an end to the debate about an industrial electricity price: "We need to do something without intervening in market prices." His ideas focused on tax law, said the Finance Minister, without giving further details.
- The mechanical engineering association VDMA, where Lindner spoke, is one of many associations that could potentially be affected by the review of social benefits in relation to the labor shortage.
- The economic situation in Germany, as pointed out by Christian Lindner, indicates a need for an economic policy shift, with a focus on reducing the tax burden and investing in public infrastructure to address the labor shortage and structural issues.
- Christian Lindner, the FDP leader and Finance Minister, suggested an examination of various social benefits based on their impact on the wage gap requirement and incentive to work, arguing that it's an ethical concern to ensure those who work have more than those who don't.
- In addressing the labor shortage, Lindner highlighted the importance of considering the impact of social benefits on the incentive to work, explaining that this review could make the welfare state affordable and boost reserves in the labor market, ultimately benefiting both the economy and society.
Source: www.dpa.com
