Pension: What is the "pension at 63"? And why is it being debated?
Anyone who has paid into the pension fund for 45 years can currently retire without deductions. The government wants to change this as part of a major reform. The most important questions and answers.
The "Rente mit 63" is a controversial topic in Germany's current pension reform debate. The issue, which allows individuals who have been insured for at least 45 years to retire at 63, has been a subject of contention between political parties in Berlin and state capitals. The plan aims to simplify the system and acknowledge the contributions of long-term workers, particularly those in physically demanding professions like trades and healthcare.
The "Rente mit 63" was introduced in 2014 as a compromise between the Union and SPD parties during Angela Merkel's leadership. It became the third-largest pension type in Germany in 2024, accounting for about 5% of the total pension expenditure. However, critics argue that the plan is detrimental to the pension system as a whole, as it could save up to 7.7 billion euros each year.
The government plans to eliminate the "Rente mit 63" altogether, but several state leaders in Eastern Germany, including Michael Kretschmer of Saxony, have criticized the move for not adequately addressing the needs of Eastern Germans, who tend to have longer and more stable work histories.
The SPD party has taken the matter to the Federal Government, presenting its own proposal to retain the "Rente mit 63" for those who have already retired under the current system.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
