Overview

• CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn argued for stricter Bürgergeld rules on ZDF’s Maybrit Illner and asserted that three to five billion euros could be saved.
• Linke-Fraktionschefin Heidi Reichinnek rejected cuts as unfair, pressed for taxing wealth and inheritances, and said the touted savings would barely dent wider budget gaps.
• Economist Jens Südekum urged faster political decisions on Bürgergeld and pensions, called the three‑billion saving target ambitious, and emphasized growth through investment and deregulation.
• Wirtschaftsweise Veronika Grimm said social outlays have been rising faster than growth, warned that little money can be found in Bürgergeld, and pointed to pension adjustments as part of longer-term fixes.
• Separately, governance strains surfaced locally, with Hagen reprinting mayoral ballots after a formal error and the Southwest football federation reviewing youth formats after a 40:0 match, with changes planned by early 2026.