Schwarz-rote Reformen: Bentele fordert Sozialcheck für Rentenreform

Verena Bentele, President of the VdK Germany social association, has called for a "social check" to be conducted on the planned federal government pension reform. Speaking to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Bentele stated that "Friedrich Merz and his coalition now have the great opportunity, following the elections, to qualitatively revise their reform for the benefit of people." She urged Chancellor Merz and his government to take advantage of this opportunity.

Following the recent elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin, Chancellor Merz had previously stated that the reforms would proceed, regardless of the criticism they faced. When asked if a different Chancellor was needed, Bentele responded that "we simply need far more focus on social compensation within the federal government."

She again criticized the plans for abolishing the former "pension at 63" system, explaining that many had already planned their retirement at 63. She argued that the pension cannot simply be abolished after 45 years of contributions, and that a minimum transitional period and a genuine replacement solution must be provided for elderly people with health issues.

Bentele hinted that she would seriously consider the proposal of many advocates of the reform plans, which is the introduction of a capital pillar to finance the rise in the pension level. However, she countered that the pension-free retirement after 45 years would cost billions. In her view, the reform plans should primarily focus on supporting all workers and employees to be able to work healthily until the statutory retirement age. This could be achieved through good rehabilitation, good and healthy workplaces.

Bentele also harshly criticized Merz's approach in several other areas, such as the requirement for a disability certification from the first day of work incapacity. She stated that this would be reconsidered if she were in his position. "What may happen now, given this mistrust: Many could then take a week off sick leave." Bentele emphasized that they must defend the achievements they have secured.

She announced that the VdK would continue to oppose the abolition of the eight-hour day alongside the trade unions, as this is planned in a new work time law reform. Bentele warned that many elderly people, people with disabilities, or those in very demanding jobs could then no longer work full-time. "We must defend these achievements."