Rival German politicians unite to reform pension system with bold proposals

Two politicians from opposing parties have joined forces on pension reform. Stefan Nacke of the CDU and Armin Grau of the Green Party have outlined shared demands for Germany’s upcoming changes. Their proposals aim to stabilise the statutory pension system and address long-standing issues. Nacke and Grau agree that pension policy should rise above party politics. They stress the need for broad democratic support to ensure lasting solutions. Both oppose the 'pension at 63' scheme, arguing it creates unfair incentives and strains the labour market.

The pair criticise mini-jobs for eroding pension rights and weakening social solidarity. They propose new collective funding methods to widen the financial base of the statutory pension. This would help maintain or even raise benefit levels over time.

Their demands include fully tax-funded non-contribution pensions to ease pressure on workers and employers. They also warn against cutting federal subsidies, as this would simply shift costs without solving underlying problems. Mandatory occupational pensions, co-financed by all employers, form another key part of their plan.

To tackle early retirement, they call for better workplace health measures and greater adaptability in jobs. These steps, they argue, would help keep older workers in the labour force longer. The joint proposals seek to secure the pension system’s future. By broadening funding and improving workplace conditions, they aim to protect benefits and reduce financial burdens. The reforms would also ensure fairer treatment for all contributors.