Does the SPD obstruct the CDU's plans to reduce financial aid?
The CDU and CSU announced plans for a significant reduction in Bürgergeld support, but SPD ministers have so far halted the implementation of these plans. Instead of cutting costs as announced, the draft budget from Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Social Affairs Minister Beate Baas reveals that Bürgergeld expenses will continue to rise in 2025, reaching 42.6 billion euros, an increase of 2.5 billion euros compared to the previous year. These costs include basic allowances, rent support, and heating costs.
It is expected that expenditures will begin to decline only starting in 2026, but at a slower pace than previously announced. According to a report by the newspaper "Bild", costs will decrease to 41.1 billion euros in 2026, and to 40.2 billion euros in 2027. The government had previously announced that it aims to reduce expenditures to 39.6 billion euros by 2027, but it seems that this goal will only be achieved in 2028. Moreover, in 2029, expenditures are expected to slightly rise again to 39.7 billion euros.
This sudden change raises questions about whether SPD ministers are following a political strategy against CDU leader "Friedrich Merz". In response, a spokesperson for Minister Baas said that the figures "are still being coordinated," adding that the "effects of the planned legal amendments" will be taken into account.
Despite the CDU's insistence on reducing Bürgergeld, there is widespread criticism of this approach, as the targeted group – known as the 'complete refusers' – constitutes a very small percentage of the beneficiaries. In Germany, there are about 5.5 million people receiving Bürgergeld, including 1.8 million children and young people. Additionally, around 2 million people are unable to work, and 1.7 million are theoretically able but face difficulties in finding work. Those who completely refuse to work are only 16,000 people, which is just 0.4%.
.