Brandmauer-Debatte: Gabriel kritisiert SPD-Kurs beim Sozialstaat und bei Rente

Former SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel has criticized his party for drifting away from its original base. He argues that the main issue with the SPD is a misunderstanding of what a Social State is, not the Brandenburg Gate. Gabriel claims that the SPD has turned it into an "all-encompassing social welfare state," which has led to many workers feeling that their contributions are not adequately respected, compared to those who do not work but receive nearly the same amount from the state.

He believes that the SPD should take a different approach to pensions, acknowledging the difficulties faced by those who become physically exhausted after 45 years of insurance. Gabriel suggested that instead of offering a higher pension, the government should inform pensioners to expect an inflation-adjusted increase, without providing more benefits.

He stated that nobody should have less purchasing power, but over time, they should not receive a share of the wage growth of workers. Gabriel believes this is a more communicable and simpler rule than offering lengthy working years or pension cuts for most employees, particularly in East Germany. Gabriel considers the Brandenburg Gate to be a failure, as the SPD should not cooperate with a party that does not clearly define its boundaries between national conservatism, national reactionism, and right-wing extremism.

He believes that addressing the AfD's specific positions is more effective than simply making it easy for them to hide behind the Brandenburg Gate.