FDP calls for tougher penalties for those who refuse to pay citizens' money

FDP calls for tougher penalties for those who refuse to pay citizens' money

The FDP has presented a new draft resolution, which has led to discussions about the social policy of the traffic light coalition. The draft resolution calls for tougher sanctions against those who refuse to pay citizens' benefits and the abolition of pensions at 63. The general secretary of the SPD described these plans as "insulting employees".

According to the FDP paper, citizens' benefit recipients who refuse reasonable work without a good reason should expect an immediate reduction of 30 percent of their benefits. It is also proposed to exhaust the scope for tougher sanctions, including the strict possibility of a complete withdrawal of benefits. In addition, the level of benefits should remain stable for the time being and the introduction of new social benefits should be suspended for at least three years.

The FDP argues against retirement at 63 due to the shortage of skilled workers and proposes creating incentives for hiring older workers by eliminating the employer contribution to unemployment insurance after reaching the standard retirement age. There is also a requirement for tax relief for overtime.

According to data from the German Federal Pension Insurance, around 250,000 people took early retirement every year, which made up around 30 percent of new pensioners. Abolishing pensions at 63 could result in some people working longer or taking reductions, while others may experience poverty in old age due to lower pensions. However, the exact impact of such a measure is unclear and could give rise to various scenarios.