The 17th “Der-Bund Essay-Preisverleihung” asked: “Come on, is there a case for an unconditional basic income?”. 72 essays were submitted. On 2 May 2023, the award ceremony will take place with readings of the three winning texts. Basic income is actually a very simple thing, writes one essayist. “It is existential money. It recognises man for his own sake, for the sake of his existence.” Perhaps it is almost too simple.

While a jury of the 17th “Bund-Essay-Preis” was looking at the 72 essays submitted and deciding on the three best texts, at the end of January the initiative committee announced the abandonment of the initiative “Leben in Würde – für ein finanzierbares bedingungsloses Grundeinkommen” (Living in dignity – for an affordable unconditional basic income). However, the unconditional basic income continues to move people, as the pandemic has increased inequality. Among the texts submitted were classic essays and discussions as well as monologues and theatre scenes that reflect the unconditional basic income.

• Performances by the authors of the three best essay on the theme “Come on, is there a case for an unconditional basic income?”
• Social program and musical accompaniment by the Blue Sphere Trio
• Surprise guest
• Apéro before the award ceremony