The introduction of citizen income is firmly agreed in the coalition agreement of the red-green-yellow federal government. But as soon as the new rule set is known, it hails criticism from the Central Association of German Crafts.
The German handicraft expresses strong criticism of the planned new citizens’ income. It will mean that “for more people than before, not working is more worthwhile than working,” said the President of the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH), Hans Peter Wollseifer, of the “Rheinische Post”. He cited the “elimination of sanctions, the significant increase in the standard rate” and “the complete assumption” of heating costs as the causes.
“Long-term unemployed people need support to get back to work. The basic income concept doesn’t guarantee that enough, so we don’t think it’s a good thing,” said Wollseifer accordingly. It provides “demotivation” for low earners. “Many are wondering why I should be working at 7 a.m. when the person who receives the citizen’s income gets almost the same,” the newspaper continues to quote the craft president.
The citizens’ allowance planned by the traffic light coalition is to replace the previous Hartz IV system in the coming year. According to plans by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, the standard rate for the new basic income should be EUR 502 per month for single adults. A ministry spokeswoman confirmed the planned amounts. At the same time, she referred to the ongoing departmental coordination within the red-green-yellow federal government.
For adult partners there should be a standard rate of 451 euros per month. For children aged 14 to 17, 420 euros are provided. It should be 348 euros for 6 to 13 year olds and 318 euros for up to 5 year olds. The new citizens’ allowance is to replace the current Hartz IV on January 1, 2023.
