Germany's Federal Minister of Labor Hubertus Heil stated that a significant increase in the national minimum wage is crucial to address the rising cost of living, emphasizing that without this increase, Germany could be in violation of an EU directive. He highlighted the need for a reliable minimum wage to ensure that people can make a living from their work, stating it would benefit six million people immediately.
In a television interview, Heil pointed out that by 2026, Germany's minimum wage would be between 14 and 15 euros, a substantial increase from the current federal minimum wage of 12.41 euros. This adjustment aims to align Germany with EU regulations that stipulate how high the minimum wage must be in relation to medium income, thereby ensuring the livelihood of workers across the country.
Yasmin Fahimi, head of the German Trade Union Confederation, supported Heil's proposals, declaring that 'Germany needs a poverty-proof minimum wage.' This reflects a broader consensus among labor representatives regarding the need for an increase in wages that can protect workers from falling into poverty due to inflation and rising costs of living, further emphasizing the moral imperative of fair compensation.
The Free Democrats (FDP), part of the ruling coalition with the SPD, sharply criticized Heil's push for a minimum wage increase, alleging it would damage Germany's competitive edge as a business destination. They contended that Germany already fulfills the EU's requirements for minimum wage levels, framing Heil's remarks as politically opportunistic rather than grounded in economic necessity.
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