A comprehensive plan to change labor and welfare policies in Germany
The Secretary General of the CDU party, Carsten Linnemann, called for a comprehensive reorientation of labor and social welfare policy in Germany, describing the planned reform as the most important since the 'Agenda 2010'. He explained in an interview with 'Stern' magazine that Germany needs a reset by increasing incentives to work, reducing bureaucracy, and a comprehensive reform of the Bürgergeld (citizen's allowance) system.
He pointed out that the problem does not lie in the lack of people's desire to work, but in the current political circumstances that do not encourage it. He said, "Yes, we work a little statistically, but Germans are not lazy." He emphasized that extra efforts at work are not rewarded as they should be, and this is what needs to change.
He specifically attacked the Bürgergeld system, stating that beneficiaries who are able to work but do not want to are abusing the system, which fuels community anger. He added that more than 200,000 beneficiaries could start working immediately, but they repeatedly refuse job offers.
Line Mann sees the planned reform of Bürgergeld as "the most important reform of the welfare state since the 2010 agenda," emphasizing that its goal is to achieve justice for those who work and fund the system. He rejected accusations that these reforms are harsh, stating that it is about fairness.
Labor Minister Beate Baumann from the SPD warned against making hasty decisions, explaining that the system is complex and needs time for reform. She said: "If you look at how complex the system is, the withdrawal rates of assistance, and the coordination problems with other systems like Wohngeld (housing benefit), the reform will take at least a year. We will not be able to launch it before spring."
Statements from Linh Mann came after his appearance on the "Caren Miosga" program on ARD channel, where he emphasized his party's seriousness in implementing reforms. This issue could become a point of conflict between the new government, especially in light of the disagreements between the Union and SPD regarding pension funding.
Minister Barbel Bas recently proposed involving government employees and self-employed workers in pension funding, which was rejected by the CDU. There is also an ongoing dispute about raising the minimum wage to 15 euros, which is expected to lead to a decisive political confrontation at the coalition committee meeting on Wednesday.