German Left Party Rejects Universal Basic Income Proposal

The decision came after a heated debate, with the party opting for a needs-based welfare system instead.

The Left Party in Germany has decided against including a universal basic income (UBI) in its program after years of internal debate.
At the party congress in Halle, members voted not to adopt the UBI proposal, which would provide a state payment to all citizens regardless of employment status or need.
New party chair Ines Schwerdtner advocated for a 'sanctions-free minimum security' targeting only those in need, citing the high estimated cost of UBI at one trillion euros annually.
Despite a 2022 member vote in favor of UBI, the party leadership felt compelled to bring the issue to a congress vote, resulting in a majority opposing the proposal.
Schwerdtner acknowledged the internal conflict and committed to revisiting the discussion on UBI after the upcoming Bundestag elections.