Increased labor, reduced expectations: Call for stringent changes in the social sector sphere of the South - Increased productivity, less pressure: Soder proposes stringent restructuring in the social region.
Markus Söder, the leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), has called for a fundamental overhaul of Germany's social system, aiming to save billions by implementing stricter regulations and incentives for work.
In a series of proposals, Söder demands the abolition of the BĂŒrgergeld system, a basic income for unemployed individuals. He suggests replacing it with a new basic security that offers fewer benefits and more incentives for employment.
The CSU leader believes that the current system, which includes generous housing benefits, subsidies for heat pumps, and social benefits for non-German recipients and asylum seekers, is weakening Germany from municipalities to the federal level.
Söder proposes making acceptable work mandatory, significantly reducing housing benefits, and halving subsidies for heat pumps. He also aims to cut social benefits for non-German recipients and asylum seekers obliged to leave. To further incentivise employment, Söder suggests introducing stronger incentives for employed people.
In addition, Söder proposes stricter rules for housing benefit and asset protection. He calls for tightening the reasonableness rule for job offers, ensuring that benefits are not given out unnecessarily.
Söder's proposals also include tightening regulations for benefit recipients without German citizenship. He believes that those who do not receive legal recognition and tolerance in Germany should not have the same social benefits as people who have contributed to the social coffers all their lives.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has reaffirmed his demand for comprehensive reforms and cuts in the social system. The Union and SPD have planned reforms of the social insurance systems, including citizen's income, pension, and health insurance, due to rising costs and budget constraints.
However, the positions of the parties are still far apart, with the SPD being critical of cuts in social benefits. The article was published in Augsburger Allgemeine.
Söder's proposals, if implemented, could save the state many billions, according to the CSU leader. The reforms are a significant step towards updating Germany's welfare state, a necessity in the face of rising costs and budget constraints.
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