Lower-middle class Germans favor stricter Bürgergeld sanctions

A majority of Germans support stricter sanctions for Bürgergeld recipients, with 63% viewing reforms positively. This sentiment is particularly strong among the lower-middle class, who cite personal economic struggles and a sense of competition for resources as reasons for their stance. Experts suggest this is driven by "social envy downwards" and fear of falling behind, rather than a significant number of benefit abusers.