Friedrich Merz spoke about “expensive and inefficient” transfer systems. He cited the Ukraine refugees as an example, too few of whom work.
Berlin – CDU leader Friedrich Merz is once again calling for a tougher approach to citizens' money and is now specifically targeting refugees from Ukraine. At the New Year's reception of the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), he complained that unusually few Ukrainian refugees were integrated into the labor market in Germany. “In Germany, 20 percent of refugees work, in the Netherlands 60 percent, and in Poland 90 percent,” said Merz loudly Picture. The system obviously has weaknesses and needs to be improved.
Friedrich Merz complains about “expensive and inefficient” transfer systems
The chairman of the CDU was particularly critical of the fact that, in contrast to other asylum seekers, Ukrainian refugees are immediately entitled to citizen's benefit and thus receive more from the state. “It was probably a mistake that we made two years ago […] “We have decided that the Ukrainian refugees will also receive citizens’ benefits almost immediately and will not initially receive asylum seeker benefits for a certain period of time,” said Friedrich Merz loud ntv.
Merz cited the special case of Ukrainian refugees as an example of state transfer systems that are “expensive and inefficient.” The state should make greater efforts to get people into work. “We want you to return to the job market as quickly as possible” should be the signal to those receiving benefits, said Merz.
Friedrich Merz still welcomes Ukraine refugees
At the same time, Merz emphasized that before the Ukraine war refugees are welcome in Germany. They have “every right to us giving them refuge, to giving them a home here – at least temporarily, as long as they want and have to stay here.” Nevertheless, the state must find out which of them can be integrated into the labor market immediately, said Merz. He announced a closed meeting of his party in which changes to transfer payments would be discussed.
Merz had already caused sharp criticism in 2022 with a statement about people fleeing war and misery from Ukraine. He accused the Ukraine refugees in an interview Picture TV “Social tourism”.. “We are now experiencing social tourism by these refugees: to Germany, back to Ukraine, to Germany, back to Ukraine.” “A larger number of refugees are now taking advantage of this system.”
The CDU-Boss later apologized for his choice of words. “I regret the use of the word 'social tourism'. This was an inaccurate description of a p
roblem observed in individual cases. […] It was and is far from me to criticize the refugees from Ukraine, who are confronted with a harsh fate.” (Robert Wagner)
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