Rich people in favor of rapid citizen's income reform

Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche (CDU) is calling for a rapid reform of the citizens' allowance in light of rising costs. This has been agreed in the coalition with the SPD, said the CDU politician on the fringes of a visit to the semiconductor company Infineon in Dresden.

"It must be the case that working pays more than staying at home," said Reiche. "Those who go to work must feel that they end up with more in their pockets than those who don't." All those who are able to do so must participate in the labor market "and earn part of what they need to live".

The Minister of Economic Affairs did not directly address a question about the latest proposal by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU). Söder had called for Ukrainian refugees in Germany to no longer be granted a citizen's allowance, but benefits like asylum seekers. These are lower and are often granted as benefits in kind or by payment card.

Kretschmer in favor of discussion "without foaming at the mouth"

At the meeting with Reiche, Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) said on the same question of whether he supported Söder's proposal: "I would like to say the following to the Ukrainians: I am of the opinion that equal conditions for everyone, for locals, for asylum, protection seekers or for people who come from Ukraine. Those who can work must work." Those in need should also be helped in the future.

The proportion of people seeking protection from Ukraine who are in work is much higher in France, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic or Poland than in Germany, said Kretschmer. "That's why we have to face this discussion calmly and without foaming at the mouth."