After Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, Labor Minister Hubertus Heil has now spoken out against the introduction of an unconditional basic income. That is neither practical nor sensible.
Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil rejects an unconditional basic income instead of the existing system of social benefits. “I do not believe in an unconditional basic income,” said the SPD politician of the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”. That is neither practical nor sensible. He was in favor of a decent basic security. “At the same time, work has to make a difference – for wages and income as well as for social security.” In addition, for most people, work is not just a livelihood, but also participation in society.
The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) and the interest group “My Basic Income” had started a research project on the unconditional basic income last week. SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz had spoken out against the introduction of an unconditional basic income. “That would be neoliberalism,” said the Federal Finance Minister in an interview.
Heil also distances itself from the demands of a four-day week
Against the same background, Heil distanced itself from demands for a four-day week for all employees. “A four-day week can be sensible in individual cases to overcome a structural or sales crisis,” said Heil. The decision on this lies with the social and business partners in the individual companies. “But it is not a panacea for the whole economy.” Proposals from IG Metall chairman Jörg Hofmann and the Left Party had sparked a debate about the four-day week.
At the beginning of July, the minimum wage commission recommended an increase from the current EUR 9.35 to EUR 10.45 in four stages by 2022.
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