A leading figure within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group, Dirk Wiese, has cautioned against the complete removal of social welfare benefits – known as “Bürgergeld” – for individuals refusing to work. Wiese emphasized the necessity of adhering to a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, which mandates the safeguarding of a basic standard of living.
He acknowledged the need for stricter sanctions against those who exploit the system through undeclared work, stating it was a matter of fairness to those who diligently contribute to the economy.
Simultaneously, Wiese stressed the importance of facilitating a transition for more individuals away from relying on “Bürgergeld”. He highlighted examples such as single parents eager to increase their working hours but facing barriers due to insufficient childcare provisions. He also pointed to numerous individuals supplementing their income with “Bürgergeld” indicating a need to boost wages and reduce reliance on welfare support. According to Wiese, transitioning these individuals to employment would generate considerable savings.