Despite ongoing and contentious debates between the conservative and social democratic factions regarding the planned phase-out of the “Bürgergeld” (basic income support), a senior official from the German Chancellery, Thorsten Frei (CDU), anticipates a consensus-based resolution with the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Speaking to the television channel “Welt” Frei acknowledged that further discussions within the governing coalition are necessary. “We still have some discussions to conduct within the coalition” he stated. “We will not do this against resistance or in conflict, but will find common solutions.
Frei expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, citing the extensive groundwork laid out in the coalition agreement. The agreement stipulates the abolition of the current “Bürgergeld” system and its replacement with a new framework for basic income support. He further explained that adjustments to eligibility requirements – often referred to as “Zumutbarkeitsregeln” – will be implemented. This, he suggested, will result in a significantly reduced number of individuals receiving support under the new system, moving away from the current figures of approximately 5.6 to 5.7 million recipients.