Concerns are mounting within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) regarding a recently approved package of pension reforms. Johannes Winkel, chairman of the Junge Union (JU), the CDU’s youth wing, voiced criticisms of the government’s draft legislation in a recent interview, describing it as unsustainable and calling for substantial revisions during the parliamentary process.
Winkel expressed reservations about the proposed deactivation of the sustainability factor within the pension formula, a core element of the plan intended to allow for more significant pension increases until 2031. He acknowledged the provision for this measure within the coalition agreement but emphasized the importance of the agreement’s secondary provision: the reinstatement of the full sustainability factor from 2032 onward, reflecting the impact it would have had under existing legislation.
He stressed that any temporary alteration to the formula must not result in permanently higher pension expenditure. Winkel’s proposed solution involves offsetting the additional pension increases generated until 2031 with subsequent increases.
Furthermore, Winkel expressed concern over the CSU’s persistent advocacy for a “mothers’ pension” increase. He argued that this position has weakened the CDU’s ability to effectively negotiate limitations on social spending within the coalition, ultimately compromising their fiscal leverage.
He highlighted the widening gaps in the federal budget and suggested that all proposed spending initiatives, including those outlined in the coalition agreement, are now subject to scrutiny. Winkel urged all coalition partners to reassess the financial viability of the remaining commitments outlined within the agreement.