Controversy Over Bezahlkarte for Asylum Seekers in Germany

The introduction of the Bezahlkarte for asylum seekers faces criticism and legal challenges across German states.

The CDU in Saxony-Anhalt criticizes the Flüchtlingsrat for encouraging asylum seekers to circumvent the Bezahlkarte system.
The Bezahlkarte limits cash withdrawals to 50 euros, which the Flüchtlingsrat argues discriminates against refugees.
In Berlin, a dispute within the coalition government has delayed the implementation of the Bezahlkarte, with some officials labeling it 'integrationsfeindlich'.
The Hamburg Social Court ruled that a blanket cash limit is unlawful, requiring case-by-case assessments.
Berlin's coalition faces additional tension over the provision of asylum seeker accommodations, with disagreements on the size and location of facilities.