A German advocacy group, “Sanktionsfrei” has expressed concerns over the country’s debate on the basic income, citing a lack of evidence-based discussion. According to the group’s representative, Gesine Höltmann, the number of individuals sanctioned for not taking up job offers in 2023 was only 15,000.
Höltmann criticized the ongoing debate, stating that it has deviated from the original goal of creating a more trusting and less punitive system. Instead, the discussion has focused on the supposed “total refusers” of job offers, with the Union repeatedly referencing these individuals. However, the German Labor Agency has no concrete numbers on the matter, Höltmann pointed out.
The activist also highlighted the importance of considering the job offers presented by job centers, often of a nature that the individuals are not qualified for, such as medical assistance positions without the required training. Factors like childcare and physical limitations are also frequently overlooked.
In the debate against the basic income, Höltmann identified three common arguments: the state should use harsher sanctions to save on public funds, the basic income is unfair to those who work and that individuals who do not take up job offers are not in need. Höltmann countered each of these points, stating that the evidence does not support the claims of a large number of “total refusers” that the system does not favor those who work and that the pressure to accept poor job offers ultimately weakens all workers and benefits the low-wage sector.
The group also rejected the proposal to abolish the waiting period for the basic income, arguing that it provides individuals with the necessary time to focus on their job search rather than worrying about their basic needs.
Landkreistags-Präsident Achim Brötel’s suggestion to eliminate the waiting period was also met with criticism, with Höltmann stating that it is a necessary safeguard to ensure individuals can concentrate on their job search without the burden of immediate financial concerns.
The article concludes by highlighting the advocacy group’s efforts to support basic income recipients, both legally and financially, as well as their publication of studies on the topic.