Return to Hartz IV? A close look at the planned basic security reform

The German coalition government of the Union and SPD has presented an extensive draft law to redesign basic social security. This could lead to significant changes for millions of benefit recipients soon, as the reform partially reintroduces elements of the former Hartz IV system, even though not all improvements to the citizen’s income are fully rolled back. The proposed changes are substantial and are already sparking intense debates in the Bundestag and society.

What Specifically Changes with the Citizen’s Income

The citizen’s income was introduced in 2023 as a more modern alternative to Hartz IV, with less strict rules and greater recognition for people in need. With the new reform, some of the previous tightening measures are being reintroduced. However, not all social improvements are being completely reversed—rather, it is a return to stricter control mechanisms and higher requirements for employable individuals. The exact design shows that the coalition is trying to find a middle ground between the earlier Hartz IV system and the more liberal citizen’s income.

Return to Familiar Hartz IV Elements

Notably, key features of the old Hartz IV regime are set to make a comeback. These include stricter sanction rules and more intensive monitoring of work readiness. Experts see this as a paradigm shift back to a culture of control and conditional welfare, as it was during the Hartz IV era. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that the new basic security will not simply be a repetition of the previous system—some achievements of the citizen’s income will remain intact.

Political Agreement Between Union and SPD

The legislative process marks a moment of intense political negotiations. Both factions have agreed on a compromise that considers both calls for greater fiscal discipline and social concerns. The approval in the Bundestag is expected in the coming weeks, potentially ushering in a new era of German social policy. This reform of basic security will coincide with international discussions on welfare states and universal basic income, illustrating how controversial the topic of Hartz IV still remains in public debate.