There has been talk of optimism shortly before the mediation committee on citizens’ income meets, but the traffic light has yet to reach agreement. More stringent sanctions are in the air.
According to prominent representatives of the traffic light coalition and the Union, the dispute over the planned income of citizens could be settled by consensus on Wednesday. The unemployed may face more penalties than previously planned for breaches of duty.
In addition, beneficiaries after Hartz IV may be allowed to hold less of their own assets. Both sides have been negotiating under high pressure behind the scenes for days. A compromise will be signed on Wednesday in the mediation committee of the Bundestag and the Bundestag.
SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert said in Berlin today: “We believe it will work this week.” Britta Hasselmann, leader of the Greens party, said:
Söder: Conflict point
CSU boss Markus Söder announced that the talks in Munich allow for “a certain amount of fundamental optimism”. However, Söder said the “absolute condition” for the deal was a significant reduction of so-called protective assets and the availability of adequate enforcement options.
Anyone who can work but does not want to work should also be subject to sanctions. “We always feel like defenders of the hardworking.” It’s all under the slogan: “Performance must be valuable.”
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According to the draft law prepared by Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD), there should be no decline in performance in the first six months if someone does not participate in the measures agreed with the job center or apply for placement offers. On the other hand, sanctions of up to ten percent should also be possible if more than one notification is not made to the business center during this “trust period”.
After six months, the draft provides 20 percent less performance for a duty breach and 30 percent less for each subsequent breach. According to a decision of the Federal Constitutional Court, no more than 30 percent can be deducted.
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The draft, prepared by Labor Minister Heil, which was accepted in the Bundestag with minor changes, also envisages a “parenting period” of two years. Reasonable rent and heating expenses will be covered for 24 months. The savings need not be used unless they are substantial assets. 60,000 euros and 30,000 euros for each additional person in the so-called need community is considered significant. Owner-occupied properties or condominiums should not be considered.
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Michael Theurer, a member of the FDP presidency, said the FDP had advised its coalition partners to engage in “solution-oriented” negotiations. “For example, this target could be further addressed with more attractive rules on supplemental income, rather than suspension of sanctions.” Those who earn between 520 and 1,000 euros compared to the previous draft will be able to earn more income in the future. Allowances in this area will be increased to 30 percent. Allowances for students, students and trainees will be increased to 520 euros.
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The mediation body of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat now comes into play because the state legislature, unlike parliament, did not approve the draft. The committee consists of 32 members, 16 each from the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. The meeting will be chaired by the Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Manuela Schwesig (SPD). CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who has absurdly rejected the basic income draft, is also on the arbitral tribunal. Consultations are confidential.
If consensus is reached, this new version of the bill must be re-approved by the Bundestag and the Bundestag. According to Labor Secretary Heil’s will, the state legislature should now give the green light to the law this Friday. According to the Federal Bureau of Employment, rules must be decided by the end of the month so that money can flow in time at the beginning of the year.
FDP politicians: SPD and Greens must act
FDP presidency member Michael Theurer urged coalition partners SPD and Greens to take action. “When it comes to citizen money, the balance between providing and demanding funds must be maintained in the future,” said Theurer of dpa. It makes sense for those receiving citizenship benefits to be involved – for example by making an effort to find a job themselves. “The SPD and the Greens must acknowledge that there is no political majority in the Bundesrat that would suspend sanctions every six months,” Theurer said.
FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai said:
Haßelmann: Focus on qualifications and further education
Haßelmann emphasized that the focus on basic income in the future should be on qualifications, education and further education. Co-group leader Katharina Dröge rejected the CDU’s proposal to separate the increase in standard rates from the rest of its reform plans.
On the RTL/ntv program “Frühstart”, Dröge said that the citizen’s money is a general package. “From our point of view, splitting both elements leads to Unity completely blocking the second part.”
As of January 1, singles’ income will increase by more than 50 euros to 502 euros. Left leader Janine Wissler expressed fears that reform would “finally weaken” and spoke of “disgraceful competition”.
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Source: ZDF
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