German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced his intention to tighten the rules for receiving basic social assistance, Bürgergeld, which is provided to unemployed, low-income citizens, as well as refugees, in particular from Ukraine.
The changes will primarily concern control over housing costs: the state plans to introduce stricter requirements for rent and the area of apartments covered by social benefits. Thus, the government wants to end the practice of paying for overly expensive or large apartments at state expense.
Merz explained the initiative as a need to save budget funds. According to him, the reform of the Bürgergeld system, which is due to come into effect in 2026, will save at least 1–2 billion euros annually.
"Those who really need help will get 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 security system. It is expected that not only German citizens, but also refugees from other countries, including Ukrainians, will fall under the new restrictions.
The topic of social benefits for foreigners is increasingly becoming a topic of discussion in the German media. Part of society believes that the Bürgergeld system should be more of an incentive to work, rather than creating conditions for passive support.
At the same time, human rights activists warn: reducing support without proper adaptation and integration programs can make life difficult for those who really need help - in particular, refugees who are unable to quickly find work due to language barriers or bureaucratic obstacles.
