Citizens’ money recipients at the Essen Christmas market: the state gives “too little” money

The more contemplative and Christmassy it gets, the more questions come from friends and work colleagues: Are you going to the Christmas market this evening? Sure, no problem. After all, every Christmas market in Essen is now open. But is it that easy for citizens’ benefit recipients? DER WESTEN spoke to those affected.

Citizens’ benefit recipients at the Christmas market: “You can’t buy anything”

Monday, shortly before 12 noon behind the water tower at Steeler Straße 137 in Essen: As is often the case, around 35 people are waiting here for the food distribution. These include some recipients of citizen’s money who made it into Tafel Essen’s support program. In an interview with DER WESTEN, they spoke openly about their attitude to the Christmas market in Essen.

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Is it still possible to visit there as a citizen’s benefit recipient? “You can walk over it, but you can’t buy anything,” says a man in a wheelchair. “A bratwurst now costs four euros and a fish sandwich now costs seven euros. This used to be much cheaper! It’s not worth going there at all,” the man says angrily.

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Citizen’s benefit recipient disappointed: “You can’t even buy gifts”

“You can’t even buy presents at the Christmas market anymore,” chimes in a younger woman and adds: “I don’t even go there. I know what it looks like and what’s on offer. But if I can’t buy anything, then the whole thing is of no use to me.”

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The mood before the food is served now seems a bit tense. Apparently many needy people are frustrated that they don’t have enough money to visit the Christmas market. When DERWESTEN asked how much money the recipients of citizens’ benefit received from the state, there was a unanimous answer: “Too little,” they said unanimously.