The Sozialverband Deutschland (SoVD), a prominent social welfare organization, has sharply criticized proposals by Economics Minister Katarina Reiche (CDU) to raise the retirement age, arguing the measures would effectively constitute a backdoor cut to pensions for many workers. Michaela Engelmeier, SoVD’s chairwoman, voiced her concerns to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, asserting that Reiche’s suggestions risk jeopardizing the financial security of a significant portion of the workforce.
Engelmeier highlighted the existing challenges faced by many individuals reaching statutory retirement age, particularly those in physically or mentally demanding professions, often entering retirement unhealthy and unprepared. She questioned the justification for further reforms framed as economic strengthening, arguing they unfairly burden workers while failing to address systemic issues within the pension system.
Beyond the proposal to delay retirement, Engelmeier also expressed reservations about the composition of the newly formed pension commission, tasked with developing fundamental pension reform recommendations by mid-2026. While acknowledging the importance of scientific expertise in shaping policy, Engelmeier emphasized the critical need to incorporate the lived experiences and practical perspectives of those directly impacted by the system. She argued that organizations like the SoVD, representing the interests of citizens and workers, should actively participate in the commission’s work to ensure a balanced and equitable outcome, preventing policies that prioritize economic expediency over social welfare. The exclusion of such perspectives, Engelmeier cautioned, risks perpetuating a disconnect between policy decisions and the realities faced by German workers throughout their careers.