Fuming Coalition Coalition - Linnemann Demands Job Shirkers' Basic Income Slash - SPD Slams Back
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Job refusers to lose citizens' allowance: Linnemann demands removal of benefits - SPD critiques this decision - SPD up in arms as Linnemann advocates for job-seekers' benefits termination
In a heated move, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann is pushing for a hardline approach towards the reformation of basic income, igniting sharp critiques from coalition partner SPD. "The relentless attacks on the welfare state continue every day. But it's not a cost factor that can simply be eliminated based on the budget," fumed SPD's deputy parliamentary leader for work and social affairs, Dagmar Schmidt, to the German Press Agency. social structures within the nation are the solid pillars maintaining social harmony.
Linnemann: We Need to Probe the System's Core
Following an agreement between Union and SPD in the coalition agreement, basic income was set to be transformed into a new "basic security for job seekers". Linnemann insists on "delving into the system's very essence", as he put it. His primary concern revolves around the following: "Someone repeatedly shying away from taking up a reasonable job offer, undeniably capable of working, should be considered as not in need. Therefore, they should no longer receive basic income."
SPD: High Incomes and Wealth Should Contribute More
Schmidt retorted: "Instead of always casting the debate of justice solely on those with small, insignificant, or no personal incomes, it is crucial to involve those with the highest incomes and wealth more in the financing of our society." She added: "And rather than ignoring the real struggles of many people reliant on this assistance due to difficult personal situations, illness, unemployment, or other obstacles, a focus on removing these barriers and offering sustainable support on their path to employment would be preferable."
Resurgence of the Debate - Now in the Joint Government
The debate is not novel, but it now unfolds under unique circumstances as Union and SPD now govern together. Last summer, Linnemann had already proposed the plan in the discussion over a rise in the number of basic income recipients and the significantly increased costs for the benefit, suggesting a complete cut-off of basic security for suspected job-shirkers. At that time, he received criticisms from, among others, the SPD.
Brief Insight:
The debate about welfare reform and its impact on employment is extensive, as politicians and economists weigh different approaches to creating a more stable social and economic system. In the past, discussions have revolved around measures that encourage employment, as well as reforms to ensure access to a basic standard of living for all citizens.
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The CDU's social wing reaffirmed its criticism of Linnemann's proposal. The vice-chairman of the Christian Democratic Workers' Association (CDA), Christian Bäumler, stated to the German Press Agency: "The basic income is an obsession for Carsten Linnemann." Sanctions might be reasonable, but they are not comprehensive. "Our aim should be to lead people into employment rather than letting them starve or become homeless," said Bäumler. Completely eliminating basic security should be the last resort.
Currently, Up to Two Months Worth of Basic Income Can Be Withheld
The current legal situation, recently explained by the Federal Ministry of Labour in a parliamentary inquiry response, is as follows: "Individuals who consciously and without reason refuse a reasonable job offer, and who have previously (within the last year) already violated a duty to take up work, or terminated their employment relationship without cause, can have their apparent need in basic income entirely withheld for up to two months."
Germany's Unemployment Benefits Spiked to Nearly €47 Billion Last Year
According to the statistics of the Federal Employment Agency (FEA), expenditures for unemployment benefits rose to nearly €47 billion last year. In the previous year, it was around €43 billion, and the year before that, it was approximately €37 billion. The FEA refers to this as "payment claims". The current number of so-called "benefit communities", i.e., households receiving unemployment benefits, stands at approximately 2.9 million.
- Unemployment Benefits
- Carsten Linnemann
- SPD
- CDU
- Coalition Agreement
[Enrichment: Germany's welfare system, commonly known as Hartz IV, provides financial support for those unable to support themselves through employment. Controversy has arisen over the adequacy of support provided, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to debates about welfare reform. The SPD typically advocates for stronger social protections, while the CDU may argue for reforms encouraging employment, including measures to reduce benefits for job refusers.]
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing debate surrounding Germany's welfare system, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as a shift in policy-and-legislation toward stricter employment policies is currently underway.
- The polarizing discussions about welfare reform and the impact on employment persist within the coalition government, with the CDU pushing for tougher measures such as slashing basic income for suspected job-shirkers, while the SPD advocates for a focus on removing barriers and offering sustainable support to those seeking employment.
