Handelsblatt1 hour agoPolitics2 min readGermany

CSU calls for the pension without deductions after 45 years to be restricted to hardship cases

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CSU regional group leader Alexander Hoffmann insists that the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions should only be allowed in cases of hardship and rejects a general regulation.
The coalition is discussing increasing the contribution years to up to 47 years and shortening the recognition of parental leave.
SPD politician Alexander Schweitzer rejects any abolition of the regulation and emphasizes performance equity as part of the generational contract.

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Why It Matters

The Pension Commission had presented 33 recommendations for pension reform, including the abolition of the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions. The coalition initially agreed to implement this, but now there are internal disputes over implementation.

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New York. In the discussion about full pensions after 45 years of insurance, CSU regional group leader Alexander Hoffmann insists that this should only be allowed in cases of hardship. “We have a clear agreement in the coalition: hardship cases yes, standard cases no. Without a change in the standard-exception ratio for the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions, there can be no pension reform,” Hoffmann told “Bild”.

As “Bild” reports, citing faction circles, the coalition is discussing, among other things, increasing the number of years of contributions by up to two years. Employees could then retire without deductions after 46 or 47 years of contributions. There are also discussions about shortening the crediting of parenting periods and limiting early retirement to certain professional groups.

The deputy SPD chairman Alexander Schweitzer also rejects transitional periods to abolish the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions. “There are no transition periods sufficient,” Schweitzer told the Editorial Network Germany (RND). "Those who work long hours must have more than those who haven't worked as long. These are not welfare state crumbs or handouts, it's not welfare either - that's performance equity. And it's part of the generational contract that should be adhered to," emphasized the SPD politician.

The end of the popular early pension without deductions is one of 33 recommendations from a pension commission set up by the government. The coalition leaders initially committed to implementing the advice one-on-one. Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche continues to insist on this.

The planned opening of the capital market for old-age provision will relieve the burden on the pay-as-you-go system, said the CDU politician in the evening at the “MyWay” conference on the news platform “The Pioneer”. “That’s why we need this pension reform with all 33 measures without any compromises,” she said.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

The coalition will reach an agreement on increasing the contribution years to 46 or 47 years.
Likely · Within weeks
The abolition of the pension without deductions after 45 years will be rejected with transition periods.
Very likely · Within weeks

Open Questions

Will the coalition reach an agreement on increasing the contribution years?
How is the shortening of the crediting of parenting periods specifically designed?
Which professional groups should be excluded from early retirement?