Overview

• Lars Klingbeil, SPD leader, is advocating for a structural overhaul of Germany's pension system during the CDU-SPD coalition's legislative term.
• Klingbeil proposes expanding the circle of contributors to the pension system while firmly rejecting an increase in the statutory retirement age.
• He emphasizes preserving the 'Rente mit 63,' which allows individuals with 45 years of contributions to retire without deductions.
• Klingbeil warns that without reforms, rising social insurance contributions could lead to drastic welfare state cuts by future administrations.
• The coalition agreement maintains a 48% pension replacement rate until 2031, funded by tax revenues, and introduces a tax-free 'Aktivrente' allowing pensioners to earn up to €2,000.