Overview

• The CDU-SPD coalition agreement calls for a new 'Grundsicherung für Arbeitssuchende' to succeed the Bürgergeld and focus on labor integration
• CDU Generalsekretär Carsten Linnemann insists repeat refusals of suitable work should result in full benefit cuts to restore fairness
• Labor Minister Bärbel Bas plans a crackdown on organized crime rings that exploit the system, citing over 123,000 fraud investigations in 2024
• SPD deputy Dagmar Schmidt urges higher taxes on top earners and more targeted support to address social inequalities without overburdening vulnerable recipients
• About 5.4 million people currently receive Bürgergeld at a cost of nearly €47 billion last year, underscoring the scope of the planned reforms