Pension: Friedrich Merz admits failures in pension policy

During his visit to the Employees' Day, Chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted that a pension policy had been delayed. According to the CDU chairman, capital pensions in Germany are 30 years too late. “I want a big reform,” said Merz, referring to pension insurance. The statutory capital pension would increase pension benefits and reduce contribution rates.

In order for a capital stock to be built up, temporarily higher pension insurance contributions are necessary. “The end of early retirement without deductions makes pensions fairer,” he said, referring to the debate with the SPD. Overall, Merz praised his government's reform package and hopes for long-term stability in contribution rates. “Never before have all social security systems been reformed at the same time,” said Merz. He knows what this demands of people. “But we want to do this fairly and properly for everyone,” he emphasized.

BDA boss Rainer Dulger had previously described the Chancellor in a particularly friendly speech as a driver for reforms in the black-red federal government, but called on the CDU, CSU and SPD to improve the framework conditions for companies. “A government must deliver results,” said Dulger at the employers’ day in Berlin. He appealed to all leaders of the coalition: “Lead. Take responsibility.«

“In the end, this also strengthens trust in our democracy.”

The coalition agreed on a reform package at the beginning of July. However, important points are controversial. The SPD wants to talk about the planned abolition of the pension without deductions after 45 years of contributions. Measures to make the labor market more flexible are also controversial. Business associations have recently shown themselves to be impatient.

Dulger said that Germany is losing competitiveness as a location. Anyone who brakes is acting irresponsibly. A government from the democratic center must show that it can solve challenges effectively. This not only strengthens the economy. “In the end, it also strengthens trust in our democracy.”

The President of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations said that demographics cannot be negotiated away. Justice has many facets. »It affects those who need support. But, and I say this especially with regard to the SPD: Anyone who takes social justice seriously should not just ask how benefits are secured. He must also ask how we strengthen those who finance these services - by working and paying contributions.