Overview
- JU leader Johannes Winkel said the organization rejects the pension package and called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz to stop the SPD’s plan.
- The 18-member Junge Gruppe of CDU/CSU MPs warned they will not back the bill unless it is changed, a stance that could erase the coalition’s roughly dozen-seat margin in the Bundestag.
- Labor Minister Bärbel Bas dismissed revisions, arguing the 48 percent pension-level safeguard matches the coalition agreement and was already set by the cabinet through 2031.
- JU critics contend the draft effectively extends guarantees beyond 2031 and would add about €118–120 billion in costs, which they say would burden younger generations.
- Trade union leader Yasmin Fahimi countered that securing the 48 percent level provides planning certainty for future generations, as Merz prepares to address JU delegates in Europa-Park on Saturday.