Rentenreform: Widerspruch gegen Abschaffung der „Rente mit 63“ wächst

Bavarian Minister-President Anke Rehlinger opposed a plan to abolish the "Rente mit 63," a popular retirement pension in eastern Germany. She argued that the proposal contradicts respect for people's contributions to the system. CDU colleague Daniel Günther defended the proposal, stating that the pension system no longer functions sustainably and it is necessary to implement it as planned.

The Sozialministerium, led by SPD chief Bärbel Bas, is working on the pension reform. According to the proposals of a Rentenkommission, the pension would be abolished after 45 contribution years. The five German state leaders of the eastern states had opposed the plan. The conflict may continue for some time, and it is unclear when the draft will reach a stage where it can be voted on in the federal government.

Günther admitted that the pension package would involve cuts, which will cause some discomfort. However, he insisted that the pension system cannot continue in its current form. He emphasized the need to implement the reform without reopening debates on the measures to be reduced. Rehlinger also suggested that the revised regulation should not apply to those who had already planned differently.

In response to calls for the "Rente mit 63," CSU chief Markus Söder, Fraktionschef Thorsten Frei (CDU), and CDU General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann have expressed support for fully implementing the plans. Berlin's mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) praised the commission's proposals in June as a "good impetus." SPD defended the reform point but expressed willingness for discussions.

Bas noted that correction requests came from the Union and pledged readiness for talks. The SPD has always advocated for retirees who had contributed extensively and started early to have the option to retire early. SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf also commented on the matter. In June, when the commission's proposals were received, Bas spoke of a "complete work of art" and warned against unraveling the package.

The commission recommended abolishing the age of 63 for people who had contributed for a very long time and started early as part of a comprehensive reform plan for long-term stability of the pension system. The group consisted of representatives from academia and the coalition parties, unanimously presenting an extensive reform package for long-term pension system stabilization.