Politics · Germany · 11 hrs ago
Gabriel criticises Heil’s Bürgergeld reform as SPD prepares leadership vote
Former SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel criticised Hubertus Heil over Germany’s Bürgergeld welfare reform.
Gabriel called the reform a major blow to the party during an appearance on ARD’s Caren Miosga programme.
He said low-paid workers felt people out of work received more support, which he argued had hurt the SPD.
The Bürgergeld replaced the Hartz IV system in early 2023, when Heil was labour minister and played a leading role in the reform.
The SPD will elect its leadership in January after co-leader Bärbel Bas resigned in October; Heil has not ruled out running.
Gabriel backed Lars Klingbeil staying as party leader and said he would not run himself.
Former SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel sharply criticised Hubertus Heil’s Bürgergeld reform, calling it a major blow to the party.
Gabriel said the reform left many low-income workers feeling that people without jobs received more support than they did.
He questioned whether Heil would be suitable to lead the SPD.
Gabriel backed Lars Klingbeil staying at the party’s helm and said he would not run himself.
The SPD is due to elect its leadership in January, after co-chair Bärbel Bas resigned in October.
- Who
- Former SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel criticised Hubertus Heil’s reform and backed Lars Klingbeil.
- What
- Gabriel called the Bürgergeld reform a major blow to the SPD and questioned Heil’s suitability to lead the party.
- When
- Gabriel made the comments on Sunday evening. The SPD leadership vote is due in January.
- Where
- On the ARD programme Caren Miosga.
- Why
- Gabriel said low-income workers felt that people without jobs were receiving more support than they were, which he said had harmed the SPD.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Bürgergeld was introduced, replacing the Hartz IV system.
SPD co-chair Bärbel Bas resigned.
Gabriel criticised the Bürgergeld reform and said he hoped Klingbeil would remain at the SPD’s helm.
The SPD is due to elect its leadership.
- Reform
- Bürgergeld replaced the Hartz IV system in early 2023
- Reform responsibility
- Hubertus Heil was then federal labour minister and played a leading role in the reform
- Leadership vote
- Due in January
- Resignation
- SPD co-chair Bärbel Bas resigned in October
- Gabriel’s position
- He backed Lars Klingbeil staying at the party’s helm and ruled out running himself
What people are saying
a major blow to the SPD
I hope he does that