A recent survey indicates strong public opposition to proposals for a potential increase in Germany’s statutory retirement age to 70. Conducted by the research institute Forsa for RTL and n-tv, the poll, released on Tuesday, reveals that 81% of respondents are against the measure, while only 18% consider it to be a viable solution.
The level of disapproval extends across the political spectrum. Notably, even among supporters of the CDU/CSU, the conservative party from which the suggestion originated, a significant 68% express their disagreement. The proposal gained traction earlier this year when CDU Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche, initiated a debate around potential pension reforms.
The survey demonstrates consistent resistance to the idea across various political affiliations. Opposition is particularly strong among supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), with 95% voicing their disapproval and among supporters of the Left party (Die Linke), where 90% are against the proposal. The trend continues with significant opposition from supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), with 87% against and from supporters of the Green Party, with 74% expressing their disagreement.
The survey was conducted by Forsa on behalf of RTL Deutschland between August 1st and 4th, 2025 and involved a sample size of 1,001 participants.