SPD in Weimar fights against controversial payment card for refugees!

SPD in Weimar fights against controversial payment card for refugees!

On July 11, 2025, the planned introduction of a payment card for refugees will also cause heated discussions in Weimar. The SPD district association and the SPD city council group have clearly spoken out against the project, which has been a creeping reality in some federal states since May 16, 2024. This payment card is intended to serve as a cashless payment solution for people with asylum applications or certain residence permits, but critics highlight the problems associated with it. SPD parliamentary group leader Dirk Slawinsky complains that the decision was made during the summer break without prior information from the city council. This approach to a sensitive topic is met with a lack of understanding.

The points of criticism are complex: The SPD fears a restriction on the social and cultural participation of refugees as well as a stigmatization that inevitably results from the system. There is also a desire for more open models, such as the “SocialCard” from Hanover, but with the caveat that the self-determination of those affected is not impaired here either.

Background to the payment card

The payment card is initially intended as part of the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG) and is intended to facilitate access to basic services. But using it turns out to be complicated: the card is balance-based, which means that a fixed amount can be withdrawn per month. However, there are numerous limitations. For example, it is recommended to only pay in larger stores; cash withdrawals are limited to 50 euros for adults and less for children. These regulations often result in affected individuals being excluded from access to certain services. Studies show that the introduction does not bring about any significant savings, but actually causes additional costs, such as in Baden-Württemberg.

Another aspect is the serious fundamental rights problems. Many see the payment card as a form of harassment that makes life unnecessarily difficult for refugees. The lack of equal treatment compared to other recipients of social benefits is vehemently criticized, which leads to discrimination against those affected.

Right-wing extremist demonstration in Apolda

The discussion about the payment card and the social participation of refugees is overshadowed by a current event: A right-wing extremist demonstration entitled “Together for a safe Apolda” is scheduled for next Saturday in Apolda. This is organized by the youth organization of the former NPD and the AfD city council member Simon Ehrenreich. The police are expecting up to 1,000 participants and are planning extensive security precautions. In contrast, the civil society network “Buntes Weimarer Land” has called for a counter-protest to send a strong signal for diversity and cohesion.

In order to promote the visibility of cultural life in the region, the city of Weimar has also introduced a new registration process for posters on advertising pillars. From October 3rd to November 3rd, 2025, only six areas per column will be available for A1 posters. Cultural associations now have to submit their applications to the cultural directorate two months in advance, with the deadline for the current round ending on July 18th.

The developments surrounding the payment card and the upcoming events in Apolda are symptomatic of the current social tensions and the disputes over right-wing ideologies. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what measures the city of Weimar will take to promote both cultural participation and peaceful cohesion.

For those who would like to find out more about the background of the payment card, please refer to the comprehensive information from freedomrights.org referred. In addition, offers basiswissen.asyl.net interesting insights into social benefits for refugees in Germany.

At a time when social cohesion is more important than ever, we must ensure that no one is excluded from society.