In Germany, on February 23, 2025, early parliamentary elections will be held, the result of which can significantly affect the future of social payments for refugees, in particular for Ukrainians. Some political forces that have a chance to get to the Bundestag have already declared their intention to reduce financial assistance for newly arrived refugees while focusing on the employment of Ukrainians, DW writes.
The Government will be expected to lead the bloc of conservative parties-the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian Social Union (CSS) after the election in Germany. In their election program, they promise to reduce basic social assistance for newly arrived refugees to € 460 per month, which is a significant reduction in comparison with current payments of 563 euros. In addition, it also involves the abolition of privileges for the payment of apartment and health insurance. Another far -right party "Alternative for Germany" (ADN) has even tougher offers. They plan to cancel social payments not only for newcomers, but also for those who came to Germany before, while leaving permission to work for Ukrainian refugees, unlike others. The Liberal “Free Democratic Party” (VDP) also advocates the reduction of payments for refugees, believing that social assistance should not be an incentive for migration, and focuses on the employment of Ukrainians. Left parties, including the Union of Sarah Wagenknecht (SSV), agree with the need to reduce the cost of social payments, but also call for accelerated employment of refugees.
In contrast, the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SDPN) and "Greens" advocate the continuation of the integration of Ukrainians into the labor market, but negatively evaluate the idea of reducing social payments. According to the survey, it is most likely that after the election, a government will be formed, which will prevail CDU/CSS with the SDP or "green". In this case, a compromise for social payments for refugees is likely to be reached.
This issue will be decisive for Ukrainian refugees, as it will depend on who holds key positions in the German government after the election.
