STORY: On Wednesday, the federal cabinet set the standard rate for future citizen income at 502 euros. The cabinet approved the draft law of the Federal Ministry of Labor on Wednesday. Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil explained the new approach during a visit to a job center in Berlin-Lichtenberg: “To put it bluntly: this new system has a different spirit. One that has already been lived here in Lichtenberg, namely empowerment, trust, Respect. But it is clear that this does not release people from participation. And it is also clear that in very stubborn cases, even in the first six months, for example if someone constantly fails to keep appointments, this also has consequences, legal consequences and in case of doubt also sanctions. But we bring the issue of sanctions to what it is, namely where it is necessary and do not have a system, so to speak, which puts people under general suspicion of not wanting to work. I experienced today that most job seekers People in Germany want to work, but they have accompanying problems because some of them are out for a very, very long time because they have a handicap, and that’s why I believe it is in the interest of the people involved, but also of the employees in the job centers, that we fundamentally change this system. But I know that the implementation will take some time. But the law should come into force on January 1st.” The previous Hartz IV rates will then be increased by more than 50 euros from January 1st, 2023 – with a new name. For the first time, a new method will be used for the calculation, which also calculates the expected and not just the past inflation for the Hartz IV standard rates.Employers and the opposition Union had sharply criticized the reform.Employer President Rainer Dulger spoke of sending the wrong signal to those on low incomes.It is also disputed that the Sanctions for violating the conditions associated with receiving social benefits are reduced.