Reforming Citizen Income to Combat Exploitation

Federal Minister of Labor Bärbel Bas is taking bold steps to address the organized abuse of social benefits, specifically targeting the citizen income system. She aims to dismantle exploitative networks that lure individuals from other countries to Germany, coercing them into applying for citizen income while exploiting their labor. Bas's plan includes a reform of the citizen income, which involves changing its name and making adjustments to align with price developments more swiftly.

A key aspect of her strategy is enhancing the data exchange between authorities to better identify and prevent fraudulent claims. While Bas advocates for quicker sanctions against abuse, she remains firm that households with children will be protected, ensuring their minimum subsistence level is maintained. The government is set to initiate these reforms by 2025, maintaining the system's core structure but enhancing its efficacy against misuse. Bas is committed to designing measures that effectively safeguard the integrity of social benefits, ensuring they reach those genuinely in need.