Potsdam City Council Rejects Payment Cards for Refugees, Amidst National Debate and Tensions on Refugee Policy

In a recent vote, Potsdam’s city council rejected the use of payment cards for refugees, with a majority in favor of the decision. The resolution was submitted by the Die Andere parliamentary group and urged Mayor Mike Schubert to work with the state to prevent the payment card from becoming the primary method of disbursing funds to asylum seekers. However, national decisions have set the stage for its introduction despite opposition from various political factions in Potsdam.

The SPD, Greens, Left, and Die Andere were among those who voted against the payment card in the city council, signaling a divergence from their party’s national stance. Brandenburg’s Prime Minister had previously supported its implementation but local authorities are now pushing back against it. The city council also outlined minimum standards that should be met if it becomes mandatory, emphasizing non-discriminatory access and usability at various retailers.

The debate over the payment card has sparked disagreement within Brandenburg’s government regarding issues such as the amount of pocket money allocated to asylum seekers and concerns about potential inconsistencies in rules. Critics argue that it is based on populist rhetoric and may not effectively address issues it claims to target. Despite these challenges, support for rejection of payment card has come from advocacy groups like Migrant Advisory Council.

The rejection of this payment card in Potsdam reflects broader tensions surrounding refugee policy at both local and national levels. As discussions continue, it remains unclear how its introduction will impact asylum seekers and communities where they reside.