The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is facing internal pressure to mitigate the potential impact of planned pension reforms on retirees in eastern Germany, a region grappling with significant economic disparities compared to the west. Sven Schulze, a member of the CDU’s executive committee and the leading candidate in the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt, has voiced concerns that current proposals risk disproportionately harming eastern pensioners.
Speaking to “Stern” magazine, Schulze emphasized the critical need for the reform commission to acknowledge the stark differences in pension structures between East and West Germany. He noted that a larger proportion of pensioners in the eastern states rely solely on state pensions, while those in western Germany benefit from considerably higher rates of occupational and private pensions. “The reform must not disadvantage the East” he stated, highlighting the potential for further widening the existing regional divide.
Schulze’s call for consideration of regional disparities reflects a growing political sensitivity surrounding the proposed reforms, which aim to address the long-term sustainability of the German pension system. While open to proposals like a flexible retirement age linked to working life – citing his own late entry into the workforce as justification – Schulze’s core argument centers on equitable treatment across regions. He argued that individuals with significantly different working histories should not be subject to the same retirement age.
Beyond pension reform, Schulze is leveraging the election campaign to solidify his image as a pragmatic reformer. He has pledged, should he become Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, to push for a mandatory work requirement for young, healthy citizens receiving Bürgergeld (unemployment benefits). This proposal, intended to incentivize recipients to actively seek employment or undertake community service, represents a hardening of rhetoric surrounding social welfare policy. Schulze asserted that individuals receiving benefits have a responsibility to contribute, arguing that engagement in either skills development, job searching, or non-profit work is essential.
The proposal underscores a broader shift within the CDU towards a more assertive approach to welfare dependency, potentially appealing to voters concerned about perceived inequalities and the burden on taxpayers. However, the policy has also drawn criticism from social welfare advocates who argue it risks stigmatizing vulnerable populations and fails to address the underlying structural issues contributing to unemployment. The debate exemplifies the complex political landscape surrounding social policy in Germany, highlighting the ongoing tension between fiscal responsibility and social justice.