Germany: Poverty researcher fears spread of poverty to the middle class
Cologne - "The energy and food prices, which will probably continue to rise in the future, are likely to lead to social upheaval right into the middle of society," he told the Rheinische Post (Friday edition). "Perhaps some middle-class families have to spend half their income on rent including heating. That's why poverty will continue to spread."
If gas prices double or triple and the federal gas surcharge comes on top of that, middle-class families could lose their annual vacation. "Even families with two earners who have normal jobs and have been able to make ends meet can now get into severe financial distress and slide into the poverty zone," said the poverty researcher. That also depends on further price developments and the household income of the respective family.
Butterwegge left it open whether this would mean that more people would be included in the social security systems in the future. "Many people who could actually apply for transfer payments do not do so. With Hartz IV, it is assumed that only every second person entitled to apply makes an application. In the case of basic security in old age, the number of unreported cases is even higher.", said the political scientist. Research would show that out of every three eligible applicants, only one seeks help. Many of those affected do not even know that they are entitled to claim, shy away from the bureaucratic effort, are ashamed or are too proud.
"The hidden poverty is likely to increase sharply, because older people in particular, who are more sensitive to cold and are at home a lot, have to cope with higher heating costs," Butterwegge continued.
Source: Der Newsticker
Photo: imago.
Posts
