Welfare takes centre stage in Berlin

The German Free Democrats (FDP) are calling February 2010 for a full-scale debate in the Bundestag on the whole role of the welfare state and its affordability in an age of financial stringency. The subject is causing quite a stir in Germany with the other political parties criticising FDP leader Guido Westerwelle.

Deutsche Welle, 17.2.10: German opposition take digs at Foreign Minister Westerwelle http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5259506,00.html

ESO: Background information: Five years on, Hartz IV social reforms continue to be controversial http://www.europeansources.info/record/five-years-on-hartz-iv-social-reforms-continue-to-be-controversial/

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