Both sides reached compromises on the disputed issues of the planned social reform. The Union saw its positions enforced to a large extent, and the “traffic light” saved the core of the social reform. The Union had insisted that there be more sanctions for recipients than originally planned. Such reductions in performance should take effect if, for example, the unemployed do not apply for a job, although this was agreed with the job center. The traffic light had provided for a “confidence period” of six months during which these sanctions should not apply.
“The coalition was very quick and – to my surprise – very largely willing to make compromises here,” said Union faction leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) on the negotiations. The “trust period” is now completely deleted.
In addition, the CDU and CSU demanded that those affected be allowed to keep less of their own assets if they receive the state benefit. The traffic light had provided for a saving of 60,000 euros, the compromise now provides for a reduction to 40,000 euros. The so-called waiting period for the savings assets and the examination of the appropriateness of the apartment should now only be twelve instead of 24 months.
Workable compromise
SPD parliamentary secretary Katja Mast spoke of a “viable compromise in the interests of the matter”. He continues to allow a “cultural change” compared to the Hartz IV system. It’s about giving people better and more permanent qualifications on basic income and getting them into long-term jobs. One of the very important points is that the so-called placement priority – i.e. the obligation to accept a job – will be abolished.
FDP parliamentary secretary Johannes Vogel said it was possible to “make a good law even better”. There is now a proposal for more equity in performance and opportunities for advancement. The improvement of additional income opportunities was also overdue. The increase in standard rates planned for January 1st was not disputed. For single adults, they should increase by 53 euros to 502 euros per month. There should also be more money for young people and children.
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) welcomed the compromise. “The citizen’s income creates more security for many, strengthens solidarity and thus social cohesion for everyone,” said DGB federal board member Anja Piel of the “Stuttgarter Zeitung” and the “Stuttgarter Nachrichten” (Wednesday editions). “Higher standard rates alleviate existential hardships, and citizen income definitely creates perspectives and new opportunities for the unemployed.”
The left criticized the compromise. Apart from an increase in the standard rate by 53 euros, there is almost nothing left of the reform, party leader Janine Wissler said on Tuesday in Berlin. It was a “competition of shabbiness at the expense of those affected and an undignified gossip theater in which the Union tried to play off low-wage workers against recipients of social benefits”.
Source: Nachrichten
