Overview

• Bürgergeld expenditures in 2024 hit a record €46.7 billion, a 10% increase from the previous year, driven by higher living allowances and housing costs.
• The CDU, led by General Secretary Carsten Linnemann, has called for the immediate abolition of Bürgergeld, citing unsustainable costs.
• A preliminary coalition agreement proposes transforming Bürgergeld into a 'new basic security' program with stricter sanctions and a focus on job placement.
• Municipalities, such as Essen, are raising rent thresholds to address housing challenges for welfare recipients, reflecting local pressures from rising living costs.
• Studies criticize Jobcenters for allocating up to 70% of budgets to administration rather than employment support, fueling calls for systemic reform.