Corona calls for an unconditional basic income. This is what the CDU / CSU, SPD, Greens, FDP and the Left think about it.
- In times of Corona *, the unconditional basic income comes into focus again.
- The parties in Germany comment on this in a survey.
- What do the CDU / CSU, SPD, Greens, FDP and the Left think of a basic income?
The economy in Germany is threatened by the biggest recession since the Second World War due to the spread of the corona virus . In Germany alone, companies have registered short-time work * for around ten million employees. The German stock index (Dax) is at a low. This is another reason why the unconditional basic income has come into focus again.
Thus 467,916 people signed the petition " With the unconditional basic income through the corona crisis ". The trend is rising (as of June 8, 2020). But what do parties in Germany think of unconditional basic income? The business magazine "Finanzsache" interviewed the CDU / CSU, SPD, Greens, FDP and Linke from February to April 2020.
Enough money to live for everyone? In the middle of the # Corona crisis, more and more people hope that the time is ripe for an unconditional # basic income
by @SPuschner #jetztBE # basic income now #BGE https://t.co/wpbZwZK5s5
Enough money to live for everyone? In the middle of the # Corona crisis, more and more people hope that the time is ripe for an unconditional # basic income
by @SPuschner #jetztBE # basic income now #BGE https://t.co/wpbZwZK5s5
Unconditional basic income: the attitude of the CDU / CSU
CDU / CSU have a clear position on unconditional basic income . This is negative. The minimum wage is sufficient. “The goal of the CDU and CSU is that everyone in Germany should be able to earn a living income. A contribution was made with the minimum wage. Furthermore, in the sense of helping people to help themselves, we see it as more effective to provide financial support to low-wage workers with a view to their specific life situation, instead of paying an unconditional basic income, ”says the Union.
The SPD thinks about an unconditional basic income
The SPD has a similar attitude to the CDU / CSU. She rejects an unconditional basic income . Instead, the SPD wants to create a right to work. “Models like a basic income that provide benefits without simultaneous efforts to find work and further training are too simple for us and do not meet the needs of most. We want to create a right to work and with it the necessary tools to empower people. For the SPD, work is the key to participating in social life, ” represents the SPD.
Unconditional basic income: the position of the Greens
In contrast to the CDU / CSU and the SPD, the Greens are in favor of an unconditional basic income . However, intermediate steps are necessary before the introduction. “As a party, we have been dealing intensively and for many years with the question of how social security can be organized in a sustainable, solidary and poverty-proof manner in the future. We take a look at different models. Including the introduction of an unconditional basic income. We are also dealing with possible intermediate steps such as a gradual withdrawal of obligations in current social transfers, a pooling of benefits and options for combining taxes and transfers, ”say the Greens.
Unconditional basic income: what do the left think?
The left are divided within the party over an unconditional basic income . “DIE LINKE addresses basic income like many social movements, non-governmental organizations and associations. DIE LINKE has not been decided, we want to continue the controversial discussions. This is one of the reasons why DIE LINKE supports the establishment of an inquiry commission on basic income in the German Bundestag, ”represent the left.
FDP: Unconditional basic income cannot be financed
With regard to unconditional basic income , the FDP has the same position as the CDU / CSU and SPD. The liberals are against it because the basic income cannot be financed. “Truth be told, the BGE and the welfare state will not both be financially viable. A basic income, which would have to be based on today's subsistence benefits, would have to be around 1,000 euros. If it is really unconditional, i.e. paid regardless of income, wealth, age or other criteria, then it would have to be distributed to all 82 million people in Germany. That would correspond to a financial requirement of 82 billion euros per month, ”explains the FDP .
By Moritz Serif
Help against the virus? In the times of Corona, a petition demands an unconditional basic income.
The world is suffering from an economic crisis. But the corona crisis holds opportunities - for the unconditional basic income *. The comment.
* fr.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.
Rubric list picture: © picture alliance / Wolfgang Kumm