Steffen Krach, the SPD Berlin top candidate and state chairman, is calling for the rejection of proposed savings measures targeting housing benefits (Wohngeld). Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Monday edition), Krach affirmed that SPD Berlin opposes cuts to these benefits and insists they must not be implemented.
Krach pointed out that 55,000 people in Berlin rely on housing benefits, and these planned reductions are a contentious issue during the street campaign. He stated that he cannot possibly explain to a pensioner or a single parent-who struggles to pay rent despite working and depends on housing benefits-why savings should be made for them, while privileged benefits like company car privileges remain untouched. He concluded by declaring, “This is not social democratic policy.”
Ines Schwerdtner, leader of the Linke party, voiced similar concerns. She argued that the reduction plans for housing benefits, independent of issues like health, care, or pensions, act as an accelerator of poverty. Schwerdtner noted that housing benefits currently secure 2.5 million people across 1.2 million households. She sharply criticized the federal government, stating that they are targeting those who are already struggling financially and must carefully manage every euro. “This is not a savings program; it is a poverty program,” she criticized.
In contrast, federal Minister for Building, Verena Hubertz (SPD), had previously defended the planned housing benefits cuts in the “Rheinische Post.” However, she also signaled openness to improvements during the parliamentary process. Hubertz acknowledged the impact these cuts would have on many people. She added her explicit support for the parliamentary discussions, noting that the subject will certainly remain a part of the legislative deliberations.
