Amid a rise in the number of personal bankruptcies last year, the political party The Left has called for the creation of a new “Citizen‑Schufa” that would help indebted people. Party leader Jan van Aken told the “Rheinische Post” on Wednesday that this system should operate like a debt‑consulting service, aiming to guide individuals out of debt traps. He stressed that people’s interests must come first, not the interests of large corporations.
Van Aken also criticized the current situation, pointing out that many companies purposely lure people into debt because they can seize their money through the existing Schufa and collection agencies. Presently, Schufa is a private credit‑bureau.
He urged the federal government to devise an action plan to combat over‑indebtedness. He cited the need for improved rent‑and‑utility deferral options to prevent eviction and power cuts. According to him, the coalition government bears some responsibility for the high numbers of bankruptcies, as it does too little to curb soaring rents and prices.
According to the information‑services provider Crif, Germany recorded 107,816 personal bankruptcies last year – roughly 8 % more than in 2024.