The new Labor and Social Affairs Minister, Bärbel Bas, plans to “tighten” the sanctions in the Basic Security system, but completely removing benefits is something the SPD politician refuses to do. “Those who are able to work must do so” said Bas to the newspapers of the Funke Media Group (Saturday editions). “We will examine the toolbox – and tighten the sanctions if necessary.”
Those who receive social benefits have the obligation to participate. “This is a matter of justice.” This applies especially to young people who have completed school and vocational training. However, Bas warned the Union against insisting on a complete removal of benefits. “Completely removing the money is already possible in extreme cases today” said the Labor and Social Affairs Minister. “But demanding a complete removal of living expenses as well is to ignore the situation. The minimum existence must be secured – this is what the courts say.”
It can only be about making sanctions “more effective and clearer” added the SPD politician. “I will not take the risk that the reform of basic security will be rejected by social courts.” The Social Democrat also announced that she will be tough on the misuse of social benefits. “The fight against social benefit fraud is a big issue for me” said Bas.
“Receiving basic security and working illegally – I will go after that.” This does not only apply to the recipients. “We must also punish companies more severely that allow this.” Union and SPD have agreed in their coalition agreement to transform the existing system of citizen’s income into a “new basic security for job seekers.” However, this does not mean that the money payment will be abolished, assured Bas. “There will always be basic security – even if it is no longer called citizen’s income.” Bas also calls for civil servants to contribute to the pension insurance. “We need to involve more people in financing the pension insurance” said the SPD politician to the newspapers of the Funke Media Group. “Civil servants, members of parliament and self-employed people should also pay into the pension insurance.” Bas further added: “We need to improve the income.” The design of this will be discussed by the pension commission agreed upon by the black-red coalition. Bas also announced that contribution increases are to be expected. “In the coming years, the pension contributions will increase demographically” said the Minister. “But then the proposals of the pension commission should also come into effect.” Bas rejected linking the pension age to life expectancy. “A linking alone will not work because there are so different job positions” said Bas. In some professions, people want to work longer and can, for example, Friedrich Merz, the Federal Chancellor, is 69 years old. “And there are professions where people are finished at 60.