The FDP chairman Christian Lindner has shown himself open to possible changes to the citizen's income in a mediation process. The Federal Minister of Finance said this to the editorial network Germany. You can negotiate anything. "If we can still improve the additional income, that would be very good." Taking up work is a step towards permanent independence from social benefits. "That must be rewarded and not punished."

Vote in the Federal Council on Monday

The Federal Council is scheduled to vote on the social reform on Monday (November 14), the Union could block the government's central project there. She vehemently rejects the project, partly because she believes it reduces motivation to accept work. The traffic light parties reject this.

The Bundestag had approved the citizen money on Thursday. In the event of rejection in the Bundesrat, a compromise would have to be found in the joint mediation committee of the Bundestag and Bundesrat.

The traffic light plans for citizen income include an increase in the current standard rate of 449 euros for single people to 502 euros. In addition, the unemployed are to be put under less pressure in the future by threatened withdrawal of benefits (sanctions) and instead be given more support with further training measures. In addition, the requirements for the permitted amount of assets and the size of the apartment for benefit recipients are to be relaxed.

CDU chair calls compromises difficult

CDU leader Friedrich Merz told the "Welt am Sonntag": "With this law, the federal government is carrying out a complete system change in labor market policy. Compromises are difficult there." This "so-called citizen money" is the way to an unconditional basic income from tax funds.

In addition, the law comes at the wrong time. "Craftsmen, restaurateurs, small and large companies - they are all desperately looking for workers. And now, of all times, when it is more important than ever to get people into work, such a law is being passed."