Overview
- The Alterssicherungskommission has recommended abolishing the abschlagsfreie early pension tied to 45 insurance years, putting the benefit itself under formal review.
- Union and SPD are negotiating changes to eligibility for the 45‑year option, a political dispute that will determine whether long‑career insured people keep the existing pathway to earlier retirement.
- Technical clarifications: since 1 July 2026 one Entgeltpunkt equals €42.52 so 45 Rentenpunkte equal €1,913.40 gross per month, but Rentenpunkte that determine amount are not the same as the 45 Versicherungsjahre that determine eligibility.
- Early retirement reduces pensions by permanent Abschläge of 0.3% per month (for example, 24 months early equals a 7.2% cut to €1,775.64 gross), and statutory health, care contributions and taxes typically lower that gross sum to roughly €1,676 per month in the example used by reporters.
- Public reaction and coverage focus on who should pay and who is protected: many readers call for broader financing that includes self‑employed, civil servants and politicians, while experts warn reforms must address the large gender and part‑time gap that leaves women about €400 a month behind men.