The proposed overhaul of Germany’s citizen’s allowance (Bürgergeld) by the ruling coalition government is facing fierce internal opposition, with the Jusos, the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), accusing their own party leadership of a damaging retreat from established principles. The reform, agreed upon by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and SPD in a recent coalition committee meeting, would reinstate a “mediation priority” – effectively penalizing jobseekers who repeatedly miss appointments or reject job offers.
Philipp Türmer, chairman of the Jusos, condemned the move as a “regressive step” that reverses the gains made since the dismantling of the controversial Hartz IV system. He argued that the reintroduction of punitive measures creates a “revolving door effect” harming vulnerable individuals and providing no tangible benefit to employers. “The SPD has consciously distanced itself from Hartz IV. It deeply pains and is wrong to see a reversion now, under the participation of the SPD” he stated.
Further fueling the controversy, the Jusos expressed serious constitutional concerns. They warned that the planned, “massive expansion” of performance-based sanctions carries the risk of a defeat before the Federal Constitutional Court. The core of the Grundsicherung system – the guaranteed socio-economic existence minimum – is under threat, according to their assessment. Citing the 2019 Constitutional Court ruling that human dignity cannot be forfeited even through perceived “undignified” behavior, the Jusos argue that the proposed cuts exceed permissible limits.
Benedict Lang, chairman of the Jusos Bayern (Bavaria), described the reform as a “farce” and a “massive deterioration” for workers. He criticized the plans to eliminate waiting periods regarding protected assets and expressed outrage at the potential for sanctions impacting housing allowances. “People never voluntarily fall into basic security. The fact that even the money for the apartment can be cut off is simply appalling.
Lang directed his criticism directly at the SPD leadership, accusing them of being swayed by external pressures and questioning their connection to the concerns of working people. He urged SPD parliamentarians to actively oppose the legislation in the Bundestag, arguing that they have a “great responsibility” to uphold the spirit of reform that followed the Hartz IV era. He also called for demonstrations and pledged the Jusos’ participation in protests against the bill.
The reform represents a partial roll-back of the 2022 citizen’s allowance law, fulfilling a key election promise by the CDU and prompting a tense internal debate within the SPD. The legislation has exposed deep divisions within the ruling coalition and raises questions about the future direction of social policy in Germany and if the fundamental principles guiding it.