The Left sharply criticized Jens Spahn’s proposal to stop counting university years toward pension contributions. In a statement to the “Rheinische Post” (Thursday edition), Left leader Ines Schwerdtner warned that “studying must not become a trap for retirement”. She said the proposal risks tightening future age poverty, and instead of cutting pension entitlements the statutory pension should be stabilized and financed fairly. According to her, a long working life should not end in poverty, and education years are not lost time but investments in a collective future.

Spahn had suggested that academic years would no longer be recognized as insured years in the pension scheme, making it harder for scholars to reach the 35‑year requirement needed to qualify for old‑age pensions.