For the Hartz IV successor, the so-called citizen money, the traffic light in the Bundesrat needs votes from the Union countries. They threaten a blockade. SPD leader Esken is now ready to negotiate. However, one thing is not up for discussion.
The SPD leader Saskia Esken has signaled a willingness to talk in the dispute over citizen income. "If the federal states led by the Union want to clarify detailed questions about citizen income, we are ready to do so," she told the newspapers of the Funke media group.
It is clear that the introduction is primarily about respect, which is not up for negotiation. "It's not just about offsetting inflation, it's about the respect that people in need deserve and sustainable ways to overcome that need." The CDU had threatened to block the law introducing citizen income in the Bundesrat, which was subject to approval. CDU General Secretary Mario Czaja told the "Tagesspiegel" that the plans would not be approved in their current form. Czaja particularly criticized the plan to introduce high levels of protection.
Esken sharply criticized the threat: "Blockade is not an attitude for a responsible opposition." There has been a dispute in the ongoing legislative process for a long time, which is why it is unclear whether the traffic light can push through the reform as planned. In the Bundesrat, she is dependent on votes from the camp of the Union countries. A blockade could also affect the already tight schedule. January 1st is planned for the start.
Citizens' income is intended to replace the previous Hartz IV basic security. The aim of the traffic light coalition is to put those affected in a position to be able to concentrate more on further training and looking for work. They should be put under less pressure by the job center. The standard rates of basic security should increase by around 50 euros per month.
