New episodes of Hartz and cordial”: Dreams shattered due to lack of money

New episodes of Hartz and cordial”: Dreams shattered due to lack of money

The documentary soap “Hartz and cordial – day after day Rostock” returns to the screens with new episodes and illuminates the realities of life of people in the Rostock district of Groß Klein. From August 25th, the series will be broadcast Monday to Friday at 6:05 p.m. on RTL Zwei. In this new season, the focus is on the characters' financial hardships, but also heartfelt moments in everyday life. As in the previous season, there is a look back at the life of Sandra, a mother of six and recipient of community benefit. She has been living in a high-rise development on Blockmacherring for ten years and has the desire to move to the country.

But her dream of owning her own home is shaken: the planned handover of the keys to her new house is canceled due to problems with a bank transfer. Meanwhile, 58-year-old Pamela, whose widow's pension is credited to her citizen's allowance, is struggling with financial difficulties. Pamela is forced to turn to the job center to clarify her precarious situation. To make matters worse, her washing machine has broken down, adding to the stress. Meanwhile, Carsten and his girlfriend Antje travel 750 kilometers to Mannheim, where they meet old acquaintances and Carsten has a special experience in the technology museum.

Moving with obstacles

Meanwhile, Sandra has to prepare for the big move from Rostock to East Frisia. Her partner Tino took out a loan to buy a home in the countryside. Although the family is finally moving out of their overcrowded apartment, they are only able to cope with the stress to a limited extent: many things have not yet been packed into boxes. The newly hired seven and a half ton truck has to be returned in 20 hours, and only a few helpers are available to support Sandra and Tino. Her eldest daughter Cindy and her fiancé Ossi come by to check on the progress.

Although Sandra doesn't express any concerns about the financial situation, she doesn't have a clear plan if money runs out. She makes it clear that the purchase of the house is Tino's alone and sees herself only as a roommate, even if the uncertainty about her future in the new home is clearly noticeable. Tino will start a new job in East Frisia, which means further change for the family. In addition, the children will have to move to new schools and daycare centers. Nevertheless, Sandra plans to enjoy life in her new surroundings and take on the challenge.

Social context

These stories are a small but concise insight into the challenges that many people affected by Hartz IV struggle with. The basic security system, which was introduced in 2005, is still criticized and is surrounded by heated political discussions. The reforms aimed to strengthen the personal responsibility of job seekers and promote their integration into the labor market. Nevertheless, many of those affected are confronted with financial difficulties, which often put a strain on everyday life.

Sandra and Pamela's stories exemplify the deep financial hardships many people experience today and shed light on the issues that continue to need to be discussed in society. While the docu-soap entertains, it also offers valuable perspectives on a reality that affects many people.