Growing concerns are emerging within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) regarding the recent policy proposals of Economics Minister Katarina Reiche (CDU). Several SPD members, representing the traditionally conservative Seeheimer Kreis, have voiced criticism of her recent suggestion to raise the retirement age, describing it as an oversimplified approach that fails to address the core issues at hand.
According to reports in “Der Spiegel”, Dirk Wiese, spokesperson for the Seeheimer Kreis and Esra Limbacher, General Secretary of the Saar-SPD, have urged Minister Reiche to prioritize her core responsibilities as Economics Minister. They emphasized the importance of considering the realities of the labor market when contemplating later retirement ages, stating that ignoring this facet would be detrimental.
Beyond retirement age discussions, the SPD is also expressing reservations about the trade agreement recently concluded between the European Commission and the U.S. government. The agreement, particularly concerning the 50-percent tariffs on steel, is perceived as posing a significant risk to a key German industry. SPD representatives are calling for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to reconsider and renegotiate the terms of the deal.
The SPD is demanding action from Minister Reiche, rather than just pronouncements. They are urging her to convene a summit bringing together steel industry representatives and trade unions. As a priority, she should develop a concrete plan to ensure affordable energy prices. The German government, they argue, cannot passively observe the potential loss of competitiveness within the domestic steel sector.