At a meeting of the coalition committee, Philipp Türmer, leader of the SPD’s youth wing (Juso), called for a swift reduction in the electricity tax, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Speaking to Politico, Türmer highlighted the current funding reservation as a key obstacle. He noted that many CDU state premiers had resisted discussions about increasing taxes on wealth or high incomes. Türmer suggested financing the reduction through measures that promote greater fairness in the distribution of resources within the coalition.
Addressing potential offsetting savings from cuts to the Bürgergeld (citizen’s income), Türmer cautioned against such measures. He argued that to effectively fulfill the Bürgergeld’s purpose of quickly placing people in jobs, an increase in financial support was preferable. He dismissed proposals relying on sanctions as a means of significant savings, stating they were misguided. Türmer stressed the importance of a robust social safety net that people perceive as a supportive partner.
Regarding proposed Bürgergeld savings, Türmer warned against a return to the previous Hartz IV system. He underscored the significant achievement of the Bürgergeld in abolishing the prioritization of job placement and fostering better cooperation between individuals and job centers. He asserted this approach represents the most effective pathway to swiftly connecting people with suitable employment opportunities that benefit both individuals and businesses.