(de-news.net) – The acknowledgment by SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich of the necessity for reforms to the citizen’s income has incited considerable criticism. He contended that it is imperative to address system abuse and that adjustments would be implemented in a new government if feasible. The Greens accused the SPD of attempting to salvage itself by reviving the grand coalition, while the FDP accused Mützenich of voter deception. The CDU intends to abolish the citizen’s income and replace it with a “New Basic Security.”
Mützenich underscored that the primary objective is to support individuals based on their strengths and reintegrate them into the labor market. However, he conceded that some individuals might remain in the citizen’s income system for an extended period, and some Ukrainian refugees might have unjustifiably benefited from it. According to its election program, the SPD aims to maintain the citizen’s income and the principle of demanding effort from recipients.
The CDU-CSU places a strong emphasis on providing incentives for diligent workers as part of their proposed “New Basic Security” system, designed to reward hard work and encourage productivity. By offering these incentives, the CDU-CSU aims to create a more motivating and supportive environment. This approach is intended to foster a culture of diligence and commitment, ultimately contributing to a more robust and dynamic labor market.
Green Party Vice-Chair Audretsch criticized the SPD for ostensibly seeking to return to the old grand coalition days and aligning with the CDU on social issues. He emphasized that the citizen’s income, aimed at qualification and job placement, was a core agreement between the SPD, CDU/CSU, FDP, and the Greens. FDP parliamentary group leader Dürr stated that the recognition of the need for adjustments to the citizen’s income came six months too late, criticizing the SPD for repeatedly rejecting fundamental corrections.
The Left Party aspires to transform it into a “sanction-free minimum security” of 1,400 euros per month for single individuals. This model would be inclusive of rent and housing costs.
Since 2023, the basic security has been referred to as citizen’s income. Previously, it was known colloquially as “Hartz IV.” The Union parties supported the social policy project of the traffic light coalition after securing stricter measures in a mediation process. However, the citizen’s income soon fell into disrepute, with criticism focusing on job centers providing excessive support and insufficient demand.
