Overview
- The members’ initiative began on December 23 and runs for three months, placing its conclusion after the planned March 5–6 Bundestag vote reported by coalition sources.
- Party officials confirm the internal process reached the signature threshold in November, with the formal first-stage quorum met on December 19 and a 20% approval needed for it to succeed.
- The cabinet-backed reform would relabel Bürgergeld as a basic-security scheme, keep benefit levels, and introduce tougher penalties for non-cooperation, including a 30% cut after two missed Jobcenter appointments and a payment stop after a third.
- Initial signatory Sophie Ringhand says the parliamentary group is not bound by the initiative, while co-initiator Denny Möller urges postponing the vote until members’ input is completed and evaluated.
- Organizers are preparing nationwide action days and demonstrations with support from unions and social associations, as critics including the Greens and the Left warn the sanction regime could deepen poverty.