Spahn Advocates for Complete Elimination of Citizen Income for Job Refusers

The German government is considering significant reforms to its social welfare systems, with a particular focus on the Citizen Income program. This initiative has become a point of contention among coalition partners as they navigate substantial budget deficits.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul to ensure the sustainability of Germany's social commitments. Thorsten Frei, Chief of Staff, stated that it is essential for individuals capable of working to support themselves. He underscored the importance of limiting social support to what is strictly necessary while ensuring that those unable to work still receive assistance.

In a notable escalation, Jens Spahn, the head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, has called for the complete withdrawal of Citizen Income from individuals who refuse job offers. He argued that those who are able to work but choose not to should not receive any form of financial support. Spahn expressed his intention to pursue the elimination of Citizen Income this autumn, aiming for a significant reduction in the number of recipients under the new welfare system.

According to Spahn, individuals who decline job offers are essentially indicating they do not require assistance, especially when job opportunities exist, particularly in sectors such as hospitality and delivery services. However, Yasmin Fahimi, head of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), criticized Spahn's position, asserting that it contradicts constitutional principles and overlooks the real challenges faced by those struggling to enter the labor market.

Data from Statista indicates that the number of so-called 'total refusers,' those rejecting job offers, is minimal--around 0.6% of recipients in 2024. This figure represents approximately 23,000 individuals facing sanctions due to their refusal to accept job placements. Merz has set a target of saving 10% from the annual Citizen Income budget, which amounts to roughly 50 billion euros, although the SPD has raised doubts about the feasibility of these cuts.

Spahn has also suggested reductions in housing and heating subsidies tied to the Citizen Income, advocating for a revision of current policies that cover full rental costs irrespective of their appropriateness. He believes these regulations should be eliminated entirely.

As of the end of 2024, around 5.42 million people in Germany were receiving Citizen Income, which replaced the previous Hartz IV system. Among these recipients, approximately 2.82 million were German citizens. The program aims to provide a safety net for job seekers, ensuring their basic needs are met.

While the financial support for individual recipients remains steady, with basic allowances set at 563 euros per month for single individuals, the government is grappling with rising concerns over social fraud. Reports indicate that the number of suspected fraudulent cases linked to Citizen Income remains high, prompting calls for urgent reforms to prevent exploitation.

With the ongoing debate over Citizen Income reform, senior government figures like Labour Minister Bärbel Bas have also acknowledged the need to address issues of social fraud and illegal work. She emphasized the importance of protecting those genuinely in need while advocating for a balanced approach to reforming the welfare system.