Unemployed German Stephan decided to turn over a new leaf in his life and move to sunny Mallorca, but his story is provoking strong reactions from the public. This 53-year-old, known to viewers of the German version of RTL's show “Poor Germany”, has been struggling for years with bureaucracy and the troubles caused by the German Job Center. He recently ran out of money because he did not submit the required documents on time, so for several weeks he survived thanks to the kindness of neighbors, living in a hunting lodge without basic conditions such as running water and electricity. But Stephan decided that this had come to an end.

His plan is simple, but also controversial. He wants to move to Mallorca, work and enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean island, while at the same time continuing to receive social assistance from Germany. Stephan believes he has the right to do so, despite being aware that he is actually cheating the system. Without the slightest remorse, he openly admits that he has had enough of mistreatment by the bureaucracy and now wants to “give them a taste of their own medicine.” “They annoyed me enough, now I will annoy them. I’ll just put the money in my pocket and let them see what they’ll do next. I think that’s fair,” Stephan said with a smile on his face.

How long he plans to hide his new address from the German authorities, he has not yet decided. He says everything will depend on the situation, and he sees this whole adventure as a game. “Let me play with them a little,” he adds with a laugh. Stephan has already packed his things, put his dog in the car, and is determined to head to Mallorca, where he plans to work as a tradesman. Whether he will report his income and pay tax on the money he earns remains unknown, because that was not the subject of the show.

The question remains who will ultimately emerge as the winner in this unusual game between Stephan and the German social assistance system. One thing is certain, his story will not be forgotten anytime soon.