The decision was blow to the controversial unemployment 'Hartz IV' reforms rammed through by Gerhard Schröder's government in 2005. READ ALSO: How the Greens co-leader wants to ditch Germany's controversial benefits system Hartz IVThe sanctions allowed under Germany's so-called Hartz IV benefits system, which combines social welfare and long-term unemployment payments, have long been controversial with critics saying they violate the right to a dignified existence. "Hartz IV plunges people and their families into the abyss," he tweeted. The Hartz IV system is part of the hated "Agenda 2010" labour reforms forced through by then chancellor Schröder to tackle the country's unemployment. READ ALSO: German unemployment rate rises for first time in five yearsCritics say Hartz IV has pushed people into low-paid, precarious jobs, and increased inequality in Germany.

Source: The Local November 05, 2019 10:18 UTC