Spahn Proposes End to Citizen Income for Job Refusal - 'It's Only Fair'
The CDU/CSU has announced its intention to implement a work obligation for specific recipients of citizen income, commonly known as Bürgergeld. This proposal is part of a broader strategy to abolish the current Bürgergeld system and replace it with a new basic income support. In an interview, Jens Spahn, the vice-chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, elaborated on the party's stance regarding job offers and unemployment benefits.
According to Spahn, the party believes it is unjust to provide financial support to individuals who refuse job offers. He argues that there is a significant demand for workers in various sectors, particularly in services and hospitality. Spahn stated that if a recipient of citizen income declines a job offer multiple times, it is reasonable to conclude that they do not genuinely require assistance. Consequently, he suggests that benefits should be revoked for those who repeatedly refuse employment opportunities.
The CDU/CSU's election program is clear on this point, indicating that if citizens fail to accept job offers, their basic income support should be completely withdrawn. This proposal primarily targets those classified as total refusers of job offers, which official statistics suggest number around 15,000 individuals in Germany. However, Spahn challenges the accuracy of these statistics, asserting that many young individuals who do not accept training opportunities may go uncounted.
Spahn emphasizes that it is essential to ensure fairness for individuals who actively seek employment and work hard for their income. He expresses that it is unfair for those who diligently work to earn a modest income to be in a position comparable to those receiving Bürgergeld, which also covers housing and heating costs.
In contrast to the SPD's push for a higher minimum wage of EUR15, Spahn questions the rationale behind their proposal, asking why not set the minimum wage even higher. He believes that there should be a direct correlation between wages, productivity, and the overall economic performance of the country. Spahn argues against government-mandated wage competitions that lack a foundation in economic realities.
Furthermore, the CDU plans to propose tax exemptions for retirees earning up to EUR2,000. This initiative is aimed at encouraging older individuals to return to work voluntarily, which Spahn predicts could lead to hundreds of thousands of retirees rejoining the workforce. He also noted that the same principle would apply to tax-free overtime hours.
In summary, the CDU/CSU's proposed reforms to the Bürgergeld system reflect a significant shift in the party's approach to social support, emphasizing personal responsibility and the necessity of accepting job offers.
