Government plans to stabilize the pension system have received a positive response from the Green Party, who emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the system’s long-term viability. Andreas Audretsch, deputy parliamentary group leader for the Greens, told the “Rheinische Post” that a secure retirement is paramount for all citizens, regardless of age.
He cautioned against intergenerational conflict, advocating for fundamental reforms and equitable financing mechanisms rather than divisive rhetoric. Audretsch affirmed the decision to stabilize the pension level at 48 percent as a necessary step.
The Green Party politician warned that opposition to these plans carries the risk of pushing vulnerable populations, particularly women and individuals in eastern Germany, into poverty. He described such an outcome as fostering anger and misunderstanding, which must be avoided.
Audretsch highlighted the importance of equitable treatment for mothers, advocating for measures to protect them from poverty. He suggested a guaranteed pension could significantly improve the financial security of mothers, potentially surpassing what has been proposed by other parties.
Crucially, Audretsch stressed that any proposed adjustments must prioritize the long-term financial sustainability of the pension system, avoiding unsustainable increases in contribution rates. He specifically called for reforms within the private pension sector to achieve this objective.