Welfare state under pressure: Minister Bas reacts to IG Metall criticism

Welfare state under pressure: Minister Bas reacts to IG Metall criticism

In the midst of an increasingly challenging economic situation, Labor and Social Affairs Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) is under pressure. IG Metall said loudly Hanauer.de sharply criticizes the federal government because, in their opinion, too little is being done for the people. Bärbel Bas is not only confronted with the demands of the unions, but also the demands of the CDU as a coalition partner.

IG Metall, represented by board member Hans-Jürgen Urban, is calling for a welfare state offensive. He emphasized that the welfare state acts as an anchor of stability that should not be weakened. To make matters worse, the German economy is currently experiencing stagnant growth, which is increasing pressure on the welfare state. Urban sees the coalition agreement as an opportunity to integrate essential demands, while at the same time Bas has announced that he may cut the social budget.

New course for citizens' benefits and pensions

A central point in Bas' agenda is the reform of citizens' benefit, which is to be renamed "basic security for job seekers". Here you see The Parliament suggests that fundamental changes are missing, while the principle of “promoting and demanding” is moving more into focus. In addition, the savings assets are linked to life performance, and the waiting period should be omitted if housing costs are disproportionately high.

Another important component of the reform includes increasing the current pension level from 48 percent by 2031. This is to be financed through tax revenue, which also includes promises to introduce a maximum weekly working time and to increase the minimum wage to 15 euros per hour by 2026.

Demands of IG Metall for the future

IG Metall sends out a strong commitment to social justice. In her offensive, she calls for the importance of a strong welfare state to be emphasized. This includes not only securing jobs, but also socially supported transitions on the labor market such as further training and longer periods of receipt of unemployment benefits, as on IG Metall can be read. Furthermore, the aim is to expand the social infrastructure: more childcare places, affordable housing and fair wages for educators and nursing staff are central concerns here.

A strong echo from IG Metall could be heard during a recent final photo with Bas when the battle cry “Nationwide ready for strike” rang out. This underlines the union's determination to actively campaign for better conditions and a robust welfare state. In the midst of these demands, the minister feels called upon to find solutions to meet both the economy and social needs.

Overall, it remains to be seen to what extent the announced plans meet the needs of the population and whether the required reforms can actually be implemented.