Alarming warning: social gap grows through drastic austerity measures!

Alarming warning: social gap grows through drastic austerity measures!

Vienna, Österreich - On April 11, 2025, the poverty conference warns of the growing inequality between poor and rich, which is reinforced by current austerity measures and unfavorable economic outlets. In particular, Diakonie-Social expert Martin Schenk emphasizes that the financial burdens will have a lot of unequal effects on various population groups. The poverty report clearly shows that the lowest income layers, especially the lowest 50% of the population, are severely affected by budget consolidation measures. Access to social achievements and basic aids could be endangered.

The Caritas Secretary General Anna Parr therefore demands that "disadvantaged groups" must not be disproportionately burdened. There are special concerns regarding the deletion of climate boni and energy aids, which are of crucial importance for many households. These cuts could particularly affect families with children who are endangered by the planned reform of social assistance, including the crediting of family allowance. Volkshilfe emphasizes that the basic child protection could potentially be improvement, but is warned of possible deterioration in the area of social assistance.

income and assets as a central problem

The current discussion about social inequality is underpinned by the fact that in Germany the upper income layer has 28% of the income and almost 60% of the assets. At the same time, one of the poorest 50% of the population is less than 24% of the total gross income. This unequal distribution has serious consequences for the living conditions and opportunities for participation in society. Research shows that economic advantages are often inherited over generations, which leads to a further consolidation of social inequality.

The poverty risk quota describes how many people have less than 60% of the median income. This risk has increased in recent years, especially among single parents, unemployed and pensioners. In 2021, the poverty rate was 16%, while in 2022 it dropped to 15%. But the signs of a permanent improvement are weak; The poverty risks and the distances to the poverty limits have increased since 2020 - including due to increasing living costs.

social effects and future developments

The poverty conference not only focuses on immediate savings measures, but also warns of the long -term social effects. People with disabilities who rely on increased family allowance are particularly affected in order to be able to lead a self -determined life. Critics criticize the restrictions on the additional benefits during unemployment and call for a revision of the planned exceptions for long -term unemployed people. As the poverty report illustrates, a significant number of people are threatened with homelessness if there are severe income reductions.

The apartment sector could be relieved by positive regulations such as the "Housing-First" approach and a rental price lid. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how successfully concrete measures can be implemented to combat inequality. Suggestions to combat social inequality, such as the increase in the top tax rate, the increase in the minimum wage and the introduction of a wealth tax, are urgently needed to reduce the gap between poor and rich in Germany.