Withdrawal of Citizens' Allowance by Bas zu Linnemann is 'not a straightforward process'

In a recent proposal, Carsten Linnemann, the general secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called for a significant change in the country's social system, specifically targeting the citizens' allowance (Bürgergeld). Linnemann suggests that individuals who repeatedly refuse reasonable work should no longer receive this benefit.

Linnemann's proposal, dubbed Agenda 2030, aims to revise the current system, no longer rewarding those who repeatedly refuse work. The CDU leader's plan includes the complete withdrawal of citizens' allowance from such individuals.

Barbara Bas, the SPD leader in Berlin, has commented on this proposal. She has rejected the demand from the CDU to completely withdraw citizens' allowance from those who repeatedly refuse reasonable work. Bas stated that it's not as simple as Mr. Linnemann imagines to withdraw benefits.

Bas, a member of the SPD party, is open to reviewing existing social benefits with the Social State Commission, a commission established by the SPD government to modernize and simplify the social state while preserving social protection levels. The commission began its work in September 2025 and is expected to deliver recommendations by the end of 2025.

The efficiency and transparency of the current social benefits system is a concern for Bas, as stated in her comments. The commission's focus is on modernizing and simplifying the social state, with a particular emphasis on benefits such as citizen's income, housing allowance, and child supplement.

The discussion revolves around the withdrawal of citizens' allowance in certain circumstances, with the minimum existence in the country being a factor considered. Ensuring a minimum existence in the country complicates the withdrawal of benefits, according to Bas.

The SPD also believes that those who do not want to work should face consequences. However, the party has not yet formally established the Social State Commission for the review of social benefits, unlike the CDU's proposal for an Agenda 2030.

Linnemann's proposal does not specify any changes to the citizens' allowance system beyond the withdrawal of benefits for those who repeatedly refuse reasonable work. The SPD leader in Berlin has not yet responded to Linnemann's call for a paradigm shift in the social system, similar to the comprehensive reforms implemented by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder with Agenda 2010.

The debate over the citizens' allowance system is ongoing, with both parties expressing the need for reform and a focus on efficiency and transparency. The outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for Germany's social welfare system.

Withdrawal of Citizens' Allowance by Bas zu Linnemann is 'not a straightforward process'