Economist and pension specialist Axel Börsch‑Supan argues that Germany’s civil servants should be integrated into the statutory pension scheme.
In the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Börsch‑Supan said, “I find this idea very sensible, simply because civil servants need to understand how the statutory pension system works. They don’t, because they are part of a completely different system, yet they are responsible for the state”. He added that a second reason is the persistent feeling in society that such treatment is unfair, and that remedying this injustice should be a priority.
From an economic standpoint, Börsch‑Supan admits it would be a loss‑making move: civil servants live longer and would therefore place a greater burden on the pension insurance. Nevertheless, he remains in favour because “the constant unease about the special treatment of civil servants would disappear”. He believes that addressing this concern is important, even if it costs money.