Bundestag: Minister of Labor Heil defends citizens’ income reform

Bundestag
Minister of Labor Heil defends basic income reform

The big bone of contention: On Thursday, the citizens’ allowance will be voted on. photo

© Monika Skolimowska/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa

For the traffic light it is the major social reform, for the Union a project that goes in the wrong direction. Citizens’ income has become a major bone of contention. It is now being voted on in the Bundestag.

It was only on Wednesday that he spoke to a man who had been unemployed for 15 years due to a stroke of fate and who, despite numerous applications, could not find a job. People like this man should help the future citizen money, said Heil. “Reliable and as unbureaucratic as possible.” The Minister of Labor emphasized that it is not just about increasing the standard rates.

The Bundestag votes in the morning on the planned citizens’ allowance. SPD, Greens and FDP are expected to pass the law with their majority – against resistance from the opposition. The Union, on whose approval the traffic light later depends in the Bundesrat for a final adoption of the citizen’s income, has repeatedly criticized the targeted departure from the previous Hartz IV system in recent weeks and is threatening a blockade in the state chamber. From the point of view of the CDU and CSU, the citizen’s income reduces the motivation to accept a job.

Heil harshly criticized the attitude of the Union. It was a “logical break” that the CDU and CSU now only wanted to agree to an increase in the standard rates instead of supporting the entire reform, said Heil.

He again campaigned for the project to be approved in the Bundesrat on Monday. As he had done several times before, Heil rejected the accusation that working with the new system would no longer be worthwhile in the future. “Work must be worthwhile,” emphasized Heil. This also applies if future assets are no longer touched to a certain extent.

dpa

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