A debate has ignited within Germany concerning the affordability of housing and its impact on individuals receiving social welfare benefits. Kassem Taher Saleh, the Green Party’s spokesperson for construction and housing policy, has publicly criticized recent remarks made by Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), regarding potential adjustments to housing cost assistance for citizen’s income recipients.
Saleh accused Merz of targeting vulnerable segments of the population and exacerbating existing anxieties. He emphasized that millions across the country are already struggling to meet rental costs and the suggestion of reduced support raises fears of potential displacement should they experience job loss.
The Green Party representative called upon the federal government to prioritize concrete measures to increase access to affordable housing, stating that current announcements lack tangible action. He expressed disappointment that substantial progress on this critical issue has yet to materialize.
Previously, in an interview with ARD television, Merz indicated the possibility of streamlining housing cost assistance payments and potentially reducing the amounts provided to citizen’s income recipients. He acknowledged that such adjustments were under consideration within the governing coalition and were subject to ongoing review. The discussion highlights differing perspectives on how to address the ongoing housing affordability crisis within Germany.