Culture Pass to End in 2025 as Chancellor Tightens Benefits, Increases Hours
The culture pass, a 100-euro voucher enabling young people to enjoy cultural events at reduced or free prices, is set to end in 2025. This will impact those who turned 18 in 2023. Meanwhile, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is implementing stricter measures for citizen benefit recipients and increasing working hours.
The culture pass, introduced to promote cultural participation among young people, will cease to exist by the end of 2025. The Federal Court of Auditors deemed federal funding for cultural activities unconstitutional, leading to its discontinuation. However, vouchers issued remain valid until November 30, 2025.
In other news, Chancellor Merz is tightening rules for citizen benefit recipients. Those refusing to work will face 100 percent sanctions. Additionally, the chancellor is increasing working hours, stating that everyone must contribute more to aid the country's economic recovery.
The abolition of the culture pass will limit young people's access to cultural events, while stricter measures for benefit recipients and increased working hours aim to boost the economy. The government's actions are expected to have significant impacts on both cultural participation and the workforce.
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