Overview
- Economist Jens Südekum proposed linking pension eligibility to insured years rather than a fixed age, an approach Bas called “basically a good idea.”
- Left-wing lawmakers and several economists warned the model would disadvantage students, caregivers and those with interrupted careers, with IW Köln’s Jochen Pimpertz calling it “economic nonsense.”
- CSU leader Markus Söder and CDU officials signaled openness to discuss the concept, while the employers’ federation BDA rejected it as a rebranding of the 45‑years early pension.
- The coalition said a pensions commission will be established before Christmas to weigh this and other options after passing a package that holds the statutory level at 48 percent through 2031.
- In parallel, the finance ministry’s draft would replace Riester plans from 2027 with a cost‑capped “Altersvorsorgedepot” offering standard products and a choice between guaranteed and return‑oriented options; OECD data place Germany’s net replacement rate near 53 percent.