CDU Criticizes SPD Leadership Over Bürgergeld Reform Blockades

The German coalition government has passed the Bürgergeld reform after prolonged disputes, but tensions remain high between coalition partners SPD and CDU. Christian von Stetten, a CDU politician and leader of the party's Mittelstand faction, sharply criticized SPD chairwoman and Social Minister Bärbel Bas for obstructing reforms and engaging in anti-reform politics.

Von Stetten accused Bas of waging a class struggle against the 2.8 million craftsmen and business owners in Germany who provide jobs for over 30 million people. He argued that the SPD is not genuinely interested in reforming or reducing bureaucracy but instead aims to undermine economic sectors. He described the SPD's approach as extortionate, particularly in decision-making processes, citing the CDU’s diminished election result of 28.6% as leverage used by the SPD.

According to von Stetten, Bas's recent attacks on employers have crossed a line, and he called for her to apologize, stating she can no longer serve as a neutral mediator and is unfit for her ministerial role. This statement reflects broad dissatisfaction within the CDU’s Mittelstand faction, which represents around two-thirds of CDU/CSU Bundestag members.

The Bürgergeld reform, intended to adjust social welfare payments, passed after a lengthy dispute, highlighting ongoing conflicts within the coalition on economic and social policy priorities. The CDU’s criticism underscores underlying political tensions as they struggle to assert their positions within the government.

In sum, the CDU accuses SPD leadership of blocking necessary reforms and employing confrontational tactics that risk harming Germany’s economic backbone, while calling into question the SPD's suitability to negotiate effectively in coalition government matters.