Survey Reveals Divergent Views on Social Welfare Policies in Germany
A recent survey conducted by the Infratest research institute for the ARD’s “Deutschlandtrend” indicates a divided public opinion regarding current regulations for the Bürgergeld, Germany’s social welfare program. The poll of 1,312 eligible voters, released this week, showed that roughly half (50 percent) of respondents believe the existing sanctions provisions are appropriate. However, a significant portion (35 percent) favor stricter penalties, while 12 percent feel the current sanctions are excessive.
The Bürgergeld allows for the reduction or suspension of benefits for able-bodied recipients who repeatedly refuse suitable job offers. The federal government is currently planning a tightening of these sanctions. This initiative comes after a 2019 ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, which deemed sanctions exceeding 30 percent unconstitutional and mandated a maximum duration of three months, with provisions for exceptional circumstances.
Alongside the planned sanctions reform, the government intends to reinstate the principle of job placement priority. This would prioritize swift job placement for unemployed individuals over vocational training measures. The survey found that 48 percent of those polled support this priority, while 47 percent believe vocational training is more crucial.
Political leanings reveal distinct preferences on this issue. Supporters of the far-right AfD party (62 percent) and the center-right Union (59 percent) both favor job placement priority. Conversely, a majority of Greens (78 percent) and the Left party (73 percent) advocate for vocational training. Members of the governing Social Democratic Party (SPD) are more divided, with 50 percent prioritizing vocational training and 46 percent favoring rapid job placement.
Public sentiment on the upcoming minimum wage increase is also varied. The wage floor is set to rise from the current 12.82 euros per hour to 13.90 euros next year and further to 14.60 euros in 2027. Nearly half (46 percent) of Germans consider this increase appropriate. However, 25 percent believe it is insufficient, while 24 percent deem it excessive.
Support for the minimum wage increase is strongest among SPD voters (67 percent), followed by a majority of Union (55 percent) and Green (53 percent) supporters. Notably, a relative majority of AfD voters (44 percent) believe the increase goes too far, while 51 percent of Left party voters feel it does not go far enough.