Germany to toughen basic security rules, focus on work

German Labor Minister Bärbel Bas has defended the upcoming "Grundsicherung" (basic security) system, set to take effect on July 1. The reform introduces a stronger emphasis on accountability, personal responsibility, and cooperation from recipients. "Clear is: whoever needs help, must receive help," Bas stated, while also underscoring the goal of moving more people into employment and preventing the misuse of social benefits.

The core principle of the reform is the prioritization of work. "We are promoting employment instead of benefit dependency," Bas explained. The system will be renamed from "Bürgergeld" to "Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende" (basic security for job seekers). Approximately 5.5 million benefit recipients will face increased pressure to accept job offers. Failure to cooperate could lead to monthly benefit reductions or complete cancellation.

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Clear is: whoever needs help, must receive help.

Bas acknowledged that while only a small number of people abuse the system, addressing benefit misuse is a matter of justice during the modernization of the social welfare state. The reform also allows for necessary qualifications to be supported if they lead to sustainable employment. However, Steffen Kampeter, CEO of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA), urged job centers to consistently enforce the new rules, stating that legislative measures alone are insufficient.

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We are promoting employment instead of benefit dependency.