German CDU Leader Backs Pension Reform, Urges Social Safeguards

Thorsten Frei, the leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, is pushing for the abolition of the "Rente mit 63," Germany's early retirement option that allows individuals to retire without deductions after 45 years of contributions. While firm on ending this benefit, Frei also emphasizes the need for social safeguards to ease the transition for those affected.

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A hardship regulation for the abolition of the 'Rente mit 63' is necessary in any case. And one will also talk about a transitional regulation.

"A hardship regulation for the abolition of the 'Rente mit 63' is necessary in any case," Frei stated in an interview with the Funke Mediengruppe. He also indicated openness to discussing transitional rules. These proposals align with recommendations from the government-appointed commission on old-age security, which suggested hardship clauses for individuals unable to work until the standard retirement age due to health reasons and protections for those nearing retirement.

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The recommendations of the commission on old-age security are a carefully balanced compromise – between the Union and the SPD, but also between the different generations.

The commission, while not offering concrete proposals, recommended ending the deduction-free early retirement after 45 contribution years "at the earliest possible opportunity." This measure is a central element of the planned pension reform, supported by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD). However, the proposed end to the "Rente mit 63" faces significant opposition.

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If we remove this component, we endanger the entire project. What is now on the table for pensions has the potential to be a reform of the century.

Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt (CDU) echoed Frei's call for adjustments, advocating for stronger targeting of the early retirement benefit to prevent potential misuse. Voigt, along with his counterparts from Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, had previously expressed reservations about a complete abolition, sparking debate. Frei, however, warned against dismantling the reform package, describing the commission's recommendations as a "carefully balanced compromise" crucial for the entire reform's success and potentially a "reform of the century."

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Therefore, we propose to talk about transitional regulations, hardship solutions, and stronger targeting.