The traffic light coalition brought its largest socio-political reform project through the Bundestag on Thursday. It is unclear whether the new citizens’ income can actually replace the Hartz IV system at the turn of the year as planned. The Union wants to stop the project in the Bundesrat next week. Then there are difficult discussions in the mediation committee.
The planned citizens’ income provides for higher standard rates, more protective assets and fewer sanctions. The Union criticizes the project, among other things, that it puts lower income groups at a disadvantage because not working with it “is almost as lucrative as working”.
Lindner said that it would be “inhuman” if a person who had worked all his life and was no longer able to work at the end of 50 due to a stroke of fate had to use up all his savings immediately. “We give him two years to overcome the life crisis and to qualify,” said Lindner. “Society should have this generosity.”
