A debate over social security contributions is gaining momentum in Germany, with differing perspectives emerging from political parties and advocacy groups. Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas is reportedly planning an increase in the contribution calculation threshold within the statutory pension insurance system, slated for 2026. This would raise the threshold from the current 8,050 euros to 8,450 euros. A corresponding rise is also anticipated for the statutory health and care insurance system, with the calculation threshold moving from 5,512.50 euros to 5,812.50 euros in the coming year.
Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the BSW party, has criticized the government’s plans as insufficient. She argued that the adjustments represent routine annual changes and fail to adequately address rising social security contributions. Wagenknecht further questioned the current system where lower and middle-income earners pay social security contributions on their entire income, while top earners contribute only on a portion. She advocated for the introduction of a citizen’s insurance model, where all individuals contribute proportionally to their income. To exemplify this principle, Wagenknecht proposed that members of the federal government and parliament be required to contribute to the pension fund starting January 1st.
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) acknowledges the necessity of adjusting contribution calculation thresholds to reflect salary increases, as stated by Dennis Radtke, chairman of the Christian Democratic Workers’ Association of Germany. However, Radtke cautioned against potential double burdens for employees, especially given the projected increase in supplementary contributions for statutory health insurance. He urged the governing coalition to prioritize economic growth and relief measures alongside foreign policy concerns.
The Federal Association of Taxpayers has also voiced criticism of the proposed changes. Reiner Holznagel, president of the lobby organization, dismissed the plans, emphasizing that the increased contributions would disproportionately affect skilled workers and self-employed individuals, with their health insurance contributions rising immediately if the threshold approaches 70,000 euros.