Detlef Scheele rejects an increase in the Hartz 4 rate.
He doubts the significant increase in satisfaction among recipients.
Nuremberg / Hamburg (dpa) - The chief executive of the Federal Employment Agency, Detlef Scheele, does not consider an increase in the Hartz IV standard rate to 600 euros to be appropriate.
"I doubt that someone would be significantly more satisfied with 600 euros," said Scheele in an interview with the Hamburg weekly newspaper "Die Zeit".
"If you want to live carefree, you have to struggle and find work that is as well-paid as possible."
Social associations, trade unions and some parties are calling for the lump sum that a single beneficiary to live on should be increased from the current € 446 (plus housing costs) to at least € 600.
Scheele, who was Social Senator in Hamburg until 2015, warns against overburdening those who pay for the basic security.
"This also includes the cashier at Aldi, who may not have much more than the recipient of basic security," he emphasized.
(dpa)