German official faces death threats over youth welfare work rules

Tough welfare reforms ignite fury in Thuringia. Now, police are hunting those who threatened the official behind the controversial program.

, and Administrator

2026 March 13 . 9:04 AM

1 min read

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German official faces death threats over youth welfare work rules

Matthias Jendricke, the SPD district administrator in Thuringia's Nordhausen region, has faced a wave of death threats. The abuse follows his decision to introduce mandatory community service for young citizens' income recipients. Local police are now investigating the threats, some of which directly reference the controversial program.

Under the new rules, recipients under 25 must perform unpaid public work unless they can justify not working or training. Those who refuse without valid reason risk benefit cuts. Participants earn €1 per hour, while officials conduct home checks if they fail to show up.

Thuringia's Minister-President Mario Voigt (CDU) publicly condemned the threats, calling them completely unacceptable. He described Jendricke as a leader willing to make tough choices, even when they provoke backlash. Police reports confirm that multiple threats and insults have been logged, with investigations ongoing.

The program remains in place despite the threats, with authorities monitoring compliance. Jendricke's initiative has sparked debate over welfare conditions, while police continue to track those responsible for the abuse. No similar schemes have been reported in other German states.