- SPD politician rejects FDP's push for cuts in public funds
From the SPD, criticism is coming against the proposal by FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr to reduce the citizen's basic income. "I think it's completely inappropriate to constantly create uncertainty with completely unconsidered ideas far from reality," said Martin Rosemann, the SPD's spokesman for work and social affairs, when asked.
"Mr. Dürr leads a government faction that has agreed to the adjustment mechanism, where inflation is rightly taken into account more quickly than before," he added, referring to the new calculation bases that have been in effect since the introduction of the citizen's basic income in 2023.
SPD politician: No FDP proposals known for reform of calculation
Since then, the annual adjustment of the amounts has no longer only taken into account the general price and wage development in the country, but also current developments of certain prices, such as food or clothing. "I am not aware of any proposals from the FDP parliamentary group for a renewed reform of the adjustment mechanism," said Rosemann.
"It would be very helpful if, after almost three years, one would finally arrive in one's role as part of a government coalition and thus in a community of responsibility!"
FDP parliamentary group leader justifies reduction idea with inflation development
FDP parliamentary group leader Dürr had previously proposed reducing the citizen's basic income and justified this with the development of inflation. The benefit is "currently 14 to 20 euros per month too high," he said to "Bild". "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 employment incentives," said Dürr.
Criticism of the idea also comes from the paritarian overall association. The citizen's basic income is not a charity, but realizes fundamental rights. "It is already too low today to combat poverty. Those who speak of cuts here want to increase inequality and promote social division," explained main manager Joachim Rock.
The SPD's spokesperson for work and social affairs, Martin Rosemann, mentioned the FDP's agreement to an adjustment mechanism for the citizen's basic income, which takes inflation into account more promptly since its introduction in 2023. (First sentence)
In response to the FDP's proposal to reduce the citizen's basic income due to inflation, SPD politician Martin Rosemann stated that he is not aware of any fresh FDP proposals for a reform of the adjustment mechanism. (Second sentence)
