Senior official from CDU states that party possibly to regain power in Germany
Date
7/14/2024 5:27:24 AM
(MENAFN) In a significant policy proposal, a senior official from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has stated that if the party were to regain power in Germany, it would cease providing social benefits to Ukrainian nationals on par with those available to German citizens and would consider sending fighting-age men back to Ukraine to support the war effort. The CDU, along with its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), is currently in opposition after losing power to a coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2021. The next federal election is anticipated to take place by October of next year.
Markus Soder, leader of the CSU and head of Bavaria, outlined these proposed changes in an interview with the local newspaper Münchner Merkur. He emphasized that a potential CDU/CSU government would cut Ukrainian refugees' access to the citizen’s allowance, known as Bürgergeld, which is typically reserved for low-income Germans or EU nationals residing in Germany. Ukrainians received this privilege in May 2022 under a special law, which critics argue has led to a disincentive for them to seek regular employment.
Soder expressed that the CDU/CSU has been "skeptical from the beginning" regarding the generous welfare arrangement. He further stated that the party would be prepared to send back fighting-age Ukrainian men “if Ukraine asks us to,” in light of the country's ongoing struggle to replenish its military forces amidst significant battlefield losses. This move could position Ukrainians living in European Union countries as potential candidates for forced conscription.
The proposed policies reflect a growing tension surrounding the treatment of Ukrainian refugees in Germany, raising questions about the balance between humanitarian support and national policy objectives as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
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