Debate about “pension at 63” – according to the study, the Union proposal would massively disadvantage women

The German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) has calculated what consequences such a reform would have. The results show a clear loser group: women.

Around a third of those born in 1958, which the DIW examined, made use of the “pension for those with particularly long-term insurance” – and left the labor market prematurely after at least 45 years of contributions. Of these, 153,470 were men and 123,658 women. The crux of the matter: childcare and care time has almost exclusively been accumulated by women. Without these periods being taken into account, 52.1 percent fewer women would be entitled to early retirement, while men would hardly be affected (-0.5 percent).

Another problem is that while the idea of ​​a union is likely to cause disruption between the sexes, it would only have a relatively small savings effect. The DIW calculates that the costs would be 20.6 percent lower than today.

DIW expert calls for a change of course on early retirement

The early pension without deductions could also be restricted by increasing the limit from the current 45 to 47 years of insurance; an alternative that is being discussed in politics. According to DIW, the financial effect would be greater than the planned change in child and care hours. However, women would also be disadvantaged in such a scenario: 38.3 percent of men and 51.2 percent of women born in 1958 would have lost their right to early retirement.

“There is no easy compromise when it comes to early retirement,” warns DIW economist Niklas Döhler. He advocates abolishing early retirement as originally planned - and in return supporting pensioners who only receive low salaries.