The Bundestag approved this Thursday (5) the reform that transforms the Bürgergeld into a new Grundsicherung for people looking for work. The change, negotiated between the CDU, CSU and SPD in the governing coalition, establishes stricter rules for cooperation with employment centers and provides for faster and more severe sanctions in cases of non-compliance with obligations. The roll call vote resulted in 321 votes in favor, 268 against and two abstentions, guaranteeing the approval of the federal government’s bill. The new system comes into force gradually from summer 2026, with the name “Bürgergeld” being replaced by “Grundsicherungsgeld”. The measure directly affects more than five million current beneficiaries.
The decision represents the end of a policy implemented in 2023 by the previous government, which had extended deadlines for asset consideration and reduced initial sanctions. Agora, the emphasis is on accelerating integration into the labor market, focusing on those who have the capacity to work. Representantes from the coalition highlighted that the changes maintain support for those who really need it, without general cuts in benefit amounts for those who comply with the rules.
Voting details on Bundestag
Deputies from the CDU/CSU and SPD defended the reform as a balance between solidarity and individual responsibility. Hülya Düber (CSU) argued that the new model protects the social Estado against abuse and strengthens cooperation between youth assistance and the basic security system. An SPD parliamentarian added that the final text is the result of a compromise, preserving aid for health promotion and support for people with mental problems.
The opposition criticized aspects of the proposal. Representantes of the AfD considered the changes timid and insufficient to combat what they call “social tourism”. Já to
Main changes in the new Grundsicherung
The bill eliminates the grace period for asset consideration and introduces faster sanctions for failure to meet commitments, such as missing interviews or unjustified job refusals. Agência Federal of Emprego gains additional tools for preventative fraud verification and coordination against organized abuse networks.
- Escalated sanctions start earlier and can amount to full reductions in repeated cases.
- Greater emphasis on rapid mediation for labor integration.
- Maintaining specific protections for beneficiaries with health limitations or caregivers.
- Name changed to “Grundsicherungsgeld” as of implementation.
These changes aim to make the system more targeted and efficient, according to the coalition agreement.
Arguments in favor of reform
The coalition maintains that the new structure encourages the exit of the long-term benefit. Políticos of União highlighted that the focus on obligations reinforces justice in the social system, directing resources to those who effectively seek employment. The SPD added that the text avoids indiscriminate cuts and includes support measures for reintegration.
The reform meets an electoral promise from União, which criticized the previous model for being lenient. Dados recent studies show that the cost of the Bürgergeld exceeded 93 billion accumulated euros, which motivated the search for adjustments for greater sustainability.
Opposition criticism and concerns raised
Opposition parties, such as Verdes and Linke, have warned of risks of stigmatization and increased poverty among beneficiaries who face real barriers to employment. Críticos pointed out that intense sanctions may not resolve structural unemployment and especially affect young people or people with disabilities.
The AfD advocated even more restrictive measures, such as immediate exclusion in certain cases. During the debate, heated exchanges took place, with responses to accusations of incomplete citations or lack of knowledge of the legal text.
Implementation and next steps
The Gesetz tritt im Sommer 2026 in Kraft, with a gradual transition to avoid abrupt ruptures. Jobcenters will need to adapt internal processes to apply the new sanction and verification rules. The focus remains on checking individual cases to ensure that support reaches those who meet the conditions.
The reform is part of the coalition’s broader agenda to adjust social policies. Bundestag concluded the deliberation after extensive debates and public hearings with experts.
The final text incorporates adjustments from the labor and social committee, ensuring financial viability according to the budget committee report.
