RTLZWEI on ‘Hartz und herzlich’ After Bürgergeld Ends
RTLZWEI on ‘Hartz und herzlich’ After Bürgergeld Ends
RTLZWEI’s social documentary “Hartz und herzlich” centers on recipients of Bürgergeld, many of whom are unemployed and rely on state benefits. With the recent political decision to abolish Bürgergeld and replace it with a new form of basic security aimed at encouraging work participation, questions arose about the show’s future. RTLZWEI clarified that despite the policy change, the show’s title will remain unchanged and content will simply reflect the new legal terminology. This approach was consistent with the previous transition from Hartz IV to Bürgergeld, which also led to no title change. “Hartz und herzlich” offers viewers an authentic look at the lives of people living in poverty, running since 2016 and approaching its tenth anniversary with special prime-time episodes planned. The program has faced criticism and even boycott calls but continues to provide long-term, poignant portraits of its participants.