Chancellor Warken puts the dispute between Merz and the East German CDU prime minister over pension reform into perspective

Head of the Chancellery Nina Warken puts into perspective the dispute between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU Prime Ministers from the East over pension reform plans. Of course, the abolition of the so-called pension at 63 is also a central component, said the CDU politician in the ZDF program “Berlin Direkt”. “Only we will do it with transition periods, we will do it with hardship regulations, that is already planned. In this respect, I don't see any major disagreement with the Prime Minister."

The three East German CDU Prime Ministers Sven Schulze (Saxony-Anhalt), Michael Kretschmer (Saxony) and Mario Voigt (Thuringia) had jointly opposed the abolition of the early pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions. Last Wednesday, Chancellor Merz emphasized that he wanted to stick to it - and was "somewhat surprised" by this request to speak, which he was convinced was "not supported by sufficient factual arguments". At the same time, he was open to hardship regulations, which are also recommended by the Pension Commission.

Warken said that the Commission had presented a "very well-rounded proposal" - now it is the joint task to implement this proposal. “And of course, it is also suggested, there will be opportunities there to take special life achievements, special personal situations and fates into account.” She also referred to the proposal for a new protective pension for long-time contributors who can no longer practice their profession due to health restrictions.