(de-news.net) – The Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag recommended that Schwerin’s plans for mandatory work for citizen’s income recipients be adopted nationwide. Thorsten Frei, the parliamentary secretary of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, stated that those who can work but choose not to should not expect public support, emphasizing that taxpayer money is not “state money.” He argued that those receiving community benefits should also contribute to the community. The Schwerin city council, with support from the CDU and AfD, had introduced mandatory work for citizen’s income recipients and asylum seekers, creating positions in the municipality or associations with compensation of 1 to 2 euros. Refusal to comply could result in benefit reductions. The decision gained nationwide attention.

The SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag rejected CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann’s proposal for mandatory work for able-bodied citizen’s income recipients. SPD labor market and social policy spokesperson Martin Rosemann criticized the proposal, stating that the Union lacked real solutions. He argued that mandatory work was an outdated approach, especially during times of labor shortages and rising employment. Rosemann emphasized the need for more qualifications, adequate childcare, and support for health problems.

Jens Teutrine, the FDP’s citizen’s income spokesperson, expressed openness to mandatory work for benefit recipients. He argued that social support should be for the needy, not those pretending to be in need. Teutrine stated that those who can work but refuse job offers and qualifications should be required to take on work opportunities, or face cuts to social benefits, as a matter of respect for taxpayers.