CDU Pushes for Work Mandate in Welfare Reform Debate

The party proposes mandatory work for employable welfare recipients, drawing criticism over legality and populist undertones.

The CDU has proposed a nationwide work requirement for employable recipients of the Bürgergeld, which could include mandatory community service jobs.
This proposal follows a controversial decision in Schwerin, where the city council approved a similar mandate for Bürgergeld recipients and asylum seekers.
Critics, including the SPD, Greens, and social organizations, argue the plan violates constitutional protections and promotes harmful stereotypes about welfare recipients.
Data shows less than 1% of Bürgergeld recipients refuse work outright, with most facing barriers such as caregiving responsibilities, lack of childcare, or insufficient job opportunities.
The CDU aims to rebrand Bürgergeld as 'Neue Grundsicherung,' emphasizing stricter conditions and reduced benefits, while opponents label the move as populist and ineffective.