Social State's Endurance Trial, as Decided by the Head of the Federal Social Court
In an interview with dts Nachrichtenagentur, Rainer Schlegel, President of the Federal Social Court in Kassel, voiced his support for the inclusion of low-income workers in Germany's social security system. Schlegel, who previously served as department head in the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs under Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU), also proposed the introduction of an insurance scheme for all freelancers, covering the minimum subsistence level.
Schlegel's proposals come amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has put significant strain on Germany's social security system. However, Schlegel believes that the social state's healthcare system has so far passed the stress test.
One of Schlegel's key concerns is the current regulation regarding short-time work benefits, which he criticises for its 20% increase. Schlegel does not consider this increase necessary and suggests maintaining the more generous regulation for protected assets in the first six months even after the crisis.
Schlegel's proposals also include sparing 60,000 euros for the first and 30,000 euros for each additional household member as part of the basic security regulation. This move aims to provide financial relief to those most in need during these challenging times.
Interestingly, Schlegel mentions that there has not been a wave of lawsuits at the social courts so far. This suggests that the current system may be working effectively to support those in need.
However, individual basic security recipients have requested money for items such as hoarding purchases, protective masks, COVID-19 tests, or tablets. Almost all these requests have been rejected, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and support for those in need during the pandemic.
Despite these challenges, Schlegel remains optimistic about the future of Germany's social security system. His advocacy for the inclusion of low-income workers and freelancers in the system, as well as his proposals for financial relief, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the social state continues to provide essential support to its citizens.
- Rainer Schlegel, in his support for low-income workers, also advocates for an insurance scheme in finance for all freelancers, which would cover the minimum subsistence level in health-and-wellness.
- Schlegel's proposals for financial relief, including sparing 60,000 euros for the first household member and 30,000 euros for each additional member, are aimed at education-and-self-development and general news.
- Schlegel's concerns regarding the increase in short-time work benefits and the need for clear guidelines for support during the pandemic echo debates in politics and public discourse.
- Despite the challenges faced by the social security system during the COVID-19 pandemic, as seen in the rejections of requests for items related to health and safety, Schlegel remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of social state's role in the health and wellness of its citizens.
