Sven Schulze, the designated Minister President of Sachsen-Anhalt, has proposed requiring recipients of social assistance to perform social services. “People who receive benefits from the state should provide something in return, up to and including public work,” Schulze told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers.
Schulze referenced the controversial concept of “Bürgerarbeit” – or citizen work – which aims to integrate long-term unemployed individuals into the labor market through community service. He called for the nationwide implementation of Bürgerarbeit, stating, “It should apply to everyone, to anyone born here just as much as to migrants.”
Schulze Calls for Increased Pressure
“We afford ourselves a welfare state that costs too much money,” Schulze stated. He described the federal government’s planned reform of the Bürgergeld (citizen’s income) as insufficient. “I would like a reform that aims more strongly at those who really need help,” he said, adding that there must be more pressure to “get out of state support again.”
Social justice is a major issue in Eastern Germany, according to the designated Minister President. “Anyone who works 40 hours here does not want to see someone else who does not work receive a similar amount from the state.”
Schulze is currently the Economics Minister of Sachsen-Anhalt. The CDU politician is expected to be elected as the successor to Reiner Haseloff by the state parliament at the end of January, at which point Haseloff intends to resign.
Trade Unionists Criticize Citizen Work
The concept of Bürgerarbeit is primarily met with criticism from trade unions. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) warns that earnings from Bürgerarbeit are often not sufficient to cover basic needs without additional social benefits. The Left Party described the concept as forced labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bürgerarbeit?
Bürgerarbeit is a concept aimed at integrating long-term unemployed individuals into the labor market through participation in public service or community work.
What is Sven Schulze’s position on the Bürgergeld reform?
Sven Schulze believes the planned reform of the Bürgergeld is insufficient and wants a reform that focuses more on those who truly need assistance, while also increasing pressure on recipients to become self-sufficient.
Who has voiced opposition to the Bürgerarbeit concept?
The German Trade Union Confederation and The Left Party have both voiced opposition to the Bürgerarbeit concept, with the DGB raising concerns about financial security and The Left Party calling it forced labor.
As Schulze prepares to potentially take office, it remains to be seen whether his proposals will gain traction and how they might reshape social welfare policies in Sachsen-Anhalt and potentially beyond. Will the state parliament approve his appointment and his vision for social assistance?
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