Withdrawing Citizens' Allowance might not be straightforward, according to Bas zu Linnemann

In a recent development, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader in Berlin, Barbara Bas, and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) General Secretary, Carsten Linnemann, have expressed contrasting views on social benefits reform.

In an interview, Bas stated that it's not as straightforward to withdraw benefits as Linnemann imagines, emphasising the importance of ensuring a minimum existence for all citizens in the country. She has also expressed opposition to the CDU's proposal to completely withdraw citizens' allowance from those who repeatedly refuse reasonable work.

On the other hand, Linnemann has called for a paradigm shift in the social system, suggesting a reform that would not only sanction but also stop the payment of citizens' allowance to those who repeatedly refuse reasonable work. His proposals, made in "Bild am Sonntag", go beyond just renaming the system and are reminiscent of comprehensive reforms similar to those implemented by former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder with the Agenda 2010.

Linnemann's reform proposal is part of an Agenda 2030, aiming for comprehensive reforms in the social system. However, Bas has agreed to review existing social benefits, focusing on efficiency and transparency, as part of the Social State Commission. The chairperson of the commission, though not explicitly named, was established under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz to make proposals by the end of the year for reforms in citizen's money, housing allowance, and child supplement.

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Barbara Bas believes that those who do not want to work should face consequences, but she is open to reviewing existing social benefits with the Social State Commission. She stresses the need to ensure a minimum existence for all citizens in the country. The debate on social benefits reform in Germany continues, with both parties aiming to find a balance between encouragement to work and the guarantee of a decent standard of living for all citizens.