Dieter Althaus has been serving as the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at Magna Europe since 2011. In this role, he is responsible for managing relationships with governmental entities and overseeing corporate affairs within Europe.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What inspired advocacy for the “Solidarity Citizen’s Income” (Solidarisches Bürgergeld) while Minister-President of Thuringia?
Dieter Althaus: Our social system in Germany is becoming a significant problem for proper implementation due to a strong differentiation and quantitative expansion. In addition, the incentive effect for paid or voluntary work is not sufficient.
Jacobsen: How does universal basic income align with principles of the Christian Democratic Union?
Althaus: The basic principles of the solidarity society are preserved. Due to the principle of negative income tax, the system is easy to understand and it is easy to implement.
Jacobsen: What primary economic and social benefits can come from universal basic income for Germany?
Althaus: Work, paid as well as voluntary, pays off and is socially recognized. The negative income tax ensures transparent implementation.
Jacobsen: What challenges emerge from proposing the Solidarity Citizen’s Income?
Althaus: The welfare state would have to be completely rebuilt. The resulting transparent structures prevent abuse and lead to a considerable reduction in bureaucratic costs.
Jacobsen: Is the socio-economic climate in Germany more receptive to basic income since 2006?
Althaus: I do not believe that such a reform would currently be feasible in Germany.
Jacobsen: What advice is pertinent for policymakers and basic income advocates today?
Althaus: I don’t give advice. Our concept is available and could be discussed or implemented in an adapted way. The political will is not present and the potential for defamation is unfortunately great.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Mr. Althaus.
