The federal government is tightening its belt financially. But in times of high inflation, saving money to support the long-term unemployed of all things is considered wrong by many.

The left wants to massively oppose cuts in funding for the long-term unemployed.

“If the SPD, Greens and FDP do not voluntarily correct their course, we will give the traffic light government a hot autumn before the cold winter – and ensure that they come to their senses,” said Left Party leader Martin Schirdewan to the newspapers of the Funke media group. “We will organize a protest that will make an impression in the Chancellery,” warned Schirdewan. He called the plans of the traffic light coalition a “cheek towards the long-term unemployed”.

Social organizations are also opposed to the plans. Ulrich Schneider, general manager of the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, told the editorial network Germany (RND/Friday) that his association would not accept that the social labor market was being saved and hundreds of thousands of people were left out in the cold. The president of the social association VdK, Verena Bentele, told the RND: “It sends the wrong signal if savings are to be made on the backs of the poorest”. Long-term unemployed people urgently need support.

The federal government wants to cut a funding pot for the long-term unemployed in the coming year. As can be seen from the draft budget passed in the cabinet, only 4.2 billion euros are then planned for “benefits for integration into work”. This year, on the other hand, around 4.8 billion are available. However, the 4.2 billion is still more than was spent on incorporation last year. Around 4.04 billion euros were booked for 2021. The funds earmarked for 2023 are at the same level as in 2019, said a spokeswoman for Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD).

social labor market

With the so-called social labor market, jobs for the long-term unemployed at non-profit organizations, municipalities and in the private sector are subsidized by the state. Long-term unemployed are unemployed who have been unemployed for a year or more. Before the Corona crisis, their number had continuously decreased slightly. According to data from the Federal Employment Agency, it has been rising again since 2020.

Overall, the model of the social labor market is a success, said the Green MP Frank Bsirske. The coalition is convinced of its benefits, which is why it should continue to be financed accordingly in the future. According to the Ministry of Labor almost 50,000 people found their way out of long-term unemployment.