Early retirement: Bas demands clear Union position on penalty-free early pensions

Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas has called on the Union parties to clearly state their position on maintaining early retirement without deductions after 45 years of insurance contributions. Bas, who also leads the SPD party, indicated in a ZDF interview that she would not object to revisiting the early retirement package if the Union parties were in agreement.

“

I don't see that yet.

"I don't see that yet," Bas stated, referring to a unified Union stance. She emphasized that CDU ministers from eastern Germany should coordinate with the CDU/CSU parliamentary group to determine if they wish to preserve the option of retiring at 63 without penalty. "The SPD certainly won't be against it," she added, highlighting the historical roles of the parties on this issue, with the SPD introducing the policy and the Union traditionally advocating for its abolition.

Bas also addressed the recent proposals from the pension reform commission. She acknowledged that the commission's recommendations are not an ideal outcome but described them as a compromise package. "Of course, it is not a desired outcome, what this old-age security commission has presented," Bas said. She stressed that individual components of the compromise should not be singled out for removal or alteration.

“

The SPD certainly won't be against it.

The article notes that this is a developing story and will be updated.

“

Of course, it is not a desired outcome, what this old-age security commission has presented. It is but as a compromise a package found where one can now also not 'take out individual things'.