Rising costs associated with the German citizens’ allowance (Bürgergeld) are prompting calls for stricter measures against those perceived to be avoiding work. The allowance expenditure increased by four billion euros last year, reaching a total of 47 billion euros.
Dirk Wiese, Parliamentary Secretary of the SPD (Social Democratic Party) parliamentary group, stated in an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) that reforms to the Bürgergeld system are necessary. He emphasized that individuals exploiting the system should face clear sanctions, referencing instances of organized fraud and black market work, particularly in the Ruhr area, that cannot be tolerated.
While acknowledging that the vast majority of Bürgergeld recipients are striving to escape unemployment and many are supplementing their income despite working, Mr. Wiese suggested these realities underscore the need for a higher minimum wage and stronger collective bargaining agreements.
Recognizing concerns that the SPD may be perceived to prioritize the needs of those not working over those who are, Mr. Wiese committed to adjusting the party’s approach. However, he stressed the party’s intention is not to create division. “Good work deserves respect – and that means better wages and a social state that supports, not punishes.
CDU (Christian Democratic Union) parliamentary representative Tilman Kuban, also speaking to RND, echoed the sentiment, asserting that the new basic security should be exclusively available to those genuinely in need of assistance, not to those unwilling to work. He highlighted the contributions of millions of working individuals who fund the social welfare system. Mr. Kuban stated that reforms to the Bürgergeld system are primarily focused on fairness and equity, as well as achieving necessary savings.