Overview

• DIW president Marcel Fratzscher proposed requiring all pensioners to complete a year of service, citing intergenerational fairness and potential roles in social care and non‑combat defense support that draw on retirees’ technical skills.
• Senior and social associations condemned the idea as disrespectful or "dümmlich," with VdK’s Verena Bentele urging recognition of existing contributions and SoVD’s Michaela Engelmeier calling the framing toward baby boomers "respektlos."
• The German Trade Union Confederation also rejected the plan, arguing that those who worked for decades deserve retirement and warning against setting generations against each other.
• Critics point to substantial current engagement by older people, noting survey data that roughly 44% of 65‑ to 74‑year‑olds volunteer and that many provide essential family care.
• Commentary and reporting highlight low feasibility, citing likely need for a two‑thirds constitutional majority and parties’ dependence on older voters, with no sign of government support, while linking the move to DIW’s broader push such as the recent "Boomer‑Soli" idea.