CDU reform of the citizens' allowance: a blow to employee rights?

CDU reform of the citizens' allowance: a blow to employee rights?

Am Hart, Deutschland - In Germany, the discussion about the citizens' allowance is in full swing. Today, on June 12, 2025, the grand coalition faces the challenge of converting the existing civil allowance system into a new basic security for job seekers. As Jacobin reports, the CDU has been fighting for the abolition of the civil allowance since the election campaign, while the SPD is more open to adjustments. The newly appointed Minister of Labor Bärbel Bas has already confirmed that there is a rapid reform on the agenda.

On the other hand, Carsten Linnemann from the CDU emphasizes that one has to go to the substance of the system. However, the planned changes to the citizens' allowance are more complicated than mere abolition. The introduction of the citizens' allowance, which has been replacing the previous regulation of Hartz IV since January 2023, was never undisputed and met in particular for sharp criticism from the FDP.

Citizen benefit: Between social security and labor market incentives

At its core, the debate about social justice, economic sustainability and the effects of civil allowance benefits on the labor market. The amount of the services is a central point of dispute, such as Bürgergelde.org . Critics, including FDP parliamentary group leader Christian Dürr, consider the current sentences to be too generous, for fear that they could reduce the incentive to work. Supporters, on the other hand, advocate adapting to the increasing living costs to ensure a decent life.

In addition, data show that the number of citizens' gates has not risen. An investigation of the IAB even documents a decline in job recordings by basic security recipients by almost six percent in the first year. Doubts about a direct connection between the introduction of the citizens' allowance and the labor market participation are more than justified.

The role of sanctions and social values ​​

The discussion about sanctions is also explosive. While CDU general secretary Linnemann demands that the citizen benefit for "total confident", supporters of a less strict sanction regime argue that help is more effective than punishment. Studies show that around four out of ten beneficiaries do not take advantage of the citizens' allowance, often from stigmatization and bureaucratic hurdles. This suggests that the actual costs of the system are lower than suspected.

The discussion about the citizens' money reflects fundamental social beliefs. The path to a system that ensures social security on the one hand and on the other hand offers incentives to take up work remains a challenge. The welfare state in Germany, such as the Böckler Institute is under pressure-especially in view of the ongoing debates about reductions and reforms, the basic reform years such as Schröders "Agenda 2010 ”still controversial.