The Expert Council for the Assessment of Economic Development has criticised the federal government’s decision not to extend economist Ulrike Malmendier’s mandate.
The Council expressed great surprise and deep regret at learning that her mandate would not be renewed after only three and a half years in office. With her departure the Council loses a highly valued member whose international academic reputation is unmatched in its long history. The Council will, in particular, miss her outsider perspective from the United States on Europe and Germany.
Malmendier herself said she was saddened to learn her mandate would not be extended. She stated that it had been a great honour to contribute to the Council’s work and to our country with both her scientific expertise and her outsider viewpoint from the U.S. She was especially proud of having introduced the early‑start pension-developed by herself and supported by all Council colleagues-into German politics and the debate about capital‑based retirement and greater intergenerational fairness. She remains available for policy advice in Germany and Europe.