It is the biggest social reform in years: the traffic light government wants to leave Hartz IV behind with the citizens’ income. There was criticism at the start of the parliamentary procedure – the coalition defended itself.
Representatives of the SPD and the Greens have rejected criticism of the planned citizens’ allowance. “Apparently, the shot has not yet been heard from some employer representatives and in the Union,” SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert told the newspapers of the Funke media group.
“Instead of continuing to hum the song about allegedly too high standard rates that would make work unattractive, employers should finally assume their responsibility and create more attractive employment conditions through much stronger collective bargaining agreements.” The logic of thumbscrews and low wages, especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers, is a fatal wrong way into the dead end of labor market policy.
Reform is to replace Hartz IV
Millions of people in Germany are to receive more money and better care from January 1st with the citizen benefit. The federal cabinet gave the green light for the central social reform of the traffic light coalition on Wednesday. Citizens’ income is intended to replace Hartz IV in its current form for the more than five million affected.
Union and employers accused the coalition of leaving the needy in the aid system permanently. Social associations and unions criticized the planned monthly rates as too low. The Bundestag and Bundesrat still have to approve the law.
The Greens parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann told the “Rheinische Post” with a view to the Union criticism that if the CDU and CSU once again tried to play off social security for people and the lack of skilled workers against each other, then this misjudged the signs of the times. “We can only counteract the shortage of skilled workers with better working conditions in sectors such as care, with further training and qualification, better compatibility and, in particular, with a reform of the immigration of skilled workers.”
Student union demands Bafög increase
The Deutsches Studentenwerk (DSW) is now demanding an increase in the Bafög rates after the decision to introduce citizen money. If 502 euros are paid for citizen money in the future in order to secure a living, the Bafög recipients should not be fobbed off with just 452 euros for basic needs for living expenses and training costs, said DSW Secretary General Matthias Anbuhl of the German Press Agency. “The coalition must therefore raise the basic requirement for subsistence with student loans to 502 euros.” He also called for a constant adjustment to the development of prices and income.
Source: Stern
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