CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann has called for the complete removal of citizen income (Bürgergeld) for over 100,000 individuals who are unwilling to work.

He argues that if someone is not ready to accept a job, the state should consider them not in need of support.

This stance includes Ukrainian refugees receiving Bürgergeld, as Linnemann emphasizes that benefits should come with the expectation of work.

Meanwhile, Baden-Württemberg's Labor Minister Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut has criticized the current Bürgergeld system as ineffective and overly bureaucratic, advocating for a radical reform that encourages work and provides clear incentives.

The federal government is also planning stricter rules to motivate Bürgergeld recipients to seek employment, including penalties for refusing job offers and increased scrutiny of those engaged in undeclared work.