The Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Germany is aiming to reduce the number of individuals reliant on supplementary benefits within the citizen’s allowance system through a series of planned social reforms. According to Dirk Wiese, the SPD’s parliamentary managing director, a key component of this initiative will focus on increasing the availability of jobs subject to social security contributions, thereby lessening the overall need for income support.
Wiese indicated that a reduction in the number of individuals requiring supplementary payments would subsequently translate into potential savings within the federal budget. He emphasized the party’s stance against supporting low-wage employment, stating that the state should not “subsidize wage dumping”. However, he also cautioned against drastic measures, asserting that while reform is necessary, the social security system should not be treated as a source of cost-cutting.
The SPD’s Social State Commission is expected to present concrete reform proposals as early as December. Wiese affirmed the party’s openness to results while also underscoring the importance of preserving the social security system as a foundational pillar of Germany’s social market economy. The commission will approach the necessary reforms without advocating for fundamental restructuring.