German Coalition Collapse Affects Ministerial Pensions

Most ministers in the dissolved government qualify for pensions despite not completing a full term, due to special legislative provisions.

German ministers typically need four years in office to qualify for a full pension, but special rules apply in cases of a vote of no confidence.
Under the Bundesministergesetz, ministers with over two years in office can receive full pensions if a chancellor loses a confidence vote.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius does not yet qualify, having served less than two years since his January 2023 appointment.
FDP ministers who resigned or were dismissed, including Christian Lindner and Marco Buschmann, do not qualify for these pension exceptions.
Ministerial pensions start at €4,990 monthly after four years, increasing annually to a maximum of €12,908.