German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced its intention to strengthen the rules of receiving BürgerGeld Basic Social Assistance, which is provided to unemployed, low -income citizens, and refugees - in particular from Ukraine.
Changes will be primarily about controlling housing costs: the state plans to introduce stringent requirements for rent and the area of premises, which are covered within social payments. In this way, the government wants to stop practice when too expensive or large apartments are paid at the state expense.
Merz explained the initiative to save budget funds. According to him, BürgerGeld's reform, which must come into force in 2026, will save at least 1-2 billion euros annually.
“Those who really need help will receive it. But those who can work should work, ”the chancellor said.
In this way, the authorities want to stimulate the return to the labor market of those who abuse the social supply system. Not only German citizens but also refugees from other countries, including Ukrainians, will be expected to fall under new restrictions.
In German media, the topic of social payments to foreigners is increasingly the subject of debate. Part of society believes that the BürgerGeld system must motivate more to work rather than create conditions for passive maintenance.
At the same time, human rights activists warn that reducing support without proper adaptation and integration programs can complicate their lives for those who really need help - including refugees who are not able to quickly get a job through a language barrier or bureaucratic obstacles.
