A senior figure within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is advocating for a significant overhaul of Germany’s social welfare system, with a particular focus on the recently implemented “Bürgergeld” (citizen’s allowance). Carsten Linnemann, the CDU’s General Secretary, has called for the complete cessation of citizen’s allowance payments to individuals deemed unwilling to work.
Linnemann stated that a clear reckoning is on the horizon, emphasizing the expectation that individuals capable of working should fulfill that obligation. He argues that it is unfair to expect taxpayers, many of whom are working diligently and contributing to the economy, to support those who are able to work but consistently decline job offers.
Beyond the Bürgergeld system, Linnemann highlighted a need to streamline the operations of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). He pointed to a perceived imbalance between administrative staff and those directly involved in placing individuals in employment, emphasizing the need to prioritize job placement initiatives. “We need to shift the focus from administrative procedures to actively placing people in work” he stated.
Further systemic reviews are planned, with a commission slated to deliver proposals by the end of the year. Linnemann indicated that these reviews will encompass various aspects of the social security system and address potential instances of abuse, including instances of fraudulent rental schemes involving dilapidated properties, unreported work alongside Bürgergeld claims and the strategic selection of limited working hours to maximize supplementary benefits. He also proposed ending the practice of transferring child benefits abroad, citing the significant impact such payments have in countries like Romania.
Linnemann expressed belief that Labor Minister Bärbel Bas shares his views on the necessity of these reforms and praised her performance as “fundamentally good”. The proposed changes represent a substantial move toward tightening social welfare regulations and increasing accountability within the German system.