CDU Seeks Tougher Measures Against Social Welfare Abuse by Criminal Gangs
Berlin, February 1, 2026 – The North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) branch of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is calling for a substantial tightening of measures against the abuse of social welfare benefits by criminal gangs. A motion, to be presented at the federal party congress in Stuttgart this February, and reported by “Bild am Sonntag,” demands drastic action against the misuse of EU freedom of movement.
A key focus of the proposal is a reform of child benefit payments sent abroad. “Child benefit fraud has unfortunately become an increasingly common tactic for criminal gangs,” explained CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann to “Bild am Sonntag.” He added, “It is only logical to adjust child benefit to the cost of living when it is transferred to other EU countries, such as Romania or Bulgaria.” According to Linnemann, current payments are “completely disproportionate” due to lower living costs in those countries.
Furthermore, the Union aims to combat exploitation involving so-called “junk properties.” The motion proposes that police and fire departments should be authorized to directly report uninhabitable properties to job centers, thereby halting benefit payments. This measure is intended to prevent “criminal networks from profiting from the forced redirection of social welfare benefits.” To streamline investigative efforts, the CDU is also advocating for a central fraud register that would connect reporting registries, family benefits offices, and social welfare offices.
The CDU also seeks harsher penalties for those caught committing fraud. The Union demands “easier deportation of EU citizens, including the possibility of a re-entry ban.” Paul Ziemiak, NRW General Secretary, told “Bild am Sonntag”: “Social welfare fraud undermines trust in our democracy and in the state’s capacity to act. It must be met with the full force of the rule of law.”
The proposals highlight a growing concern within the CDU regarding the integrity of Germany’s social welfare system and the need for more robust enforcement mechanisms to deter criminal activities.
