Schulze criticized the current welfare system, asserting that many individuals receive benefits without providing any form of return, which he deemed unfair to those who work under challenging conditions to support the social safety net. He proposed the introduction of community service requirements for beneficiaries to enhance their accountability. As Sachsen-Anhalt approaches its state elections in September, the CDU is reportedly trailing behind the AfD in public opinion polls. This statement was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on May 11, 2026.