As of: January 30, 2024, 6:48 a.m
By: Teresa Toth, Carmen Mörwald
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Green Party leader Ricarda Lang made a serious mistake with Markus Lanz - with a positive side effect: her statements reopened the debate on the subject of pensions.
Munich – Pensions are considered a highly controversial topic.
More and more seniors are at risk of poverty in old age, despite decades of work.
Women are particularly often affected because, on average, they spend less time working and earn less.
However, not everyone in politics seems to be aware of how serious the problem is.
This was recently made clear by Ricarda Lang's appearance on Markus Lanz's talk show.
The Green party leader was unable to correctly answer the question about the average pension in Germany, which resulted in sharp criticism.
However, her misstep seems to have a positive side effect: not only has the federal chairwoman and MP from Alliance 90/The Greens now admitted her mistake, she has also inadvertently brought a productive impulse to the debate.
Lang admits that pensions are not enough for many seniors
In a dialogue with the
Berliner Morgenpost
, Lang admits the depressing reality in which many seniors live.
She admits that it is difficult for many older people to stay afloat financially - "even those who don't earn badly," says Lang in an interview.
During her appearance at Lanz, the 30-year-old initially revealed that she did not know the amount of the average pension and then made a gross misjudgment.
When Lanz asked whether she could possibly estimate the amount, Lang speculated: “I would assume that we are around 2,000 euros.” An amount that many pensioners can only dream of.
Green Party leader Ricarda Lang made a mistake on the subject of pensions during her talk show appearance with Markus Lanz.
© Christophe Gateau/dpa
According to Lang, the increasing costs of care are a main reason why “in many cases there is hardly anything left of the pension,” as she tells the
Berliner Morgenpost
.
She suggests developing financing models for care that reduce financial pressure on pensioners.
In addition, the traffic light coalition is launching the “Pension Package II”.
The chairwoman of the Green Party emphasizes: “We want to legally enshrine a pension level of at least 48 percent of average income – and add a new pillar of financing with generation capital.”
When asked when this package of measures will be implemented, she gave the assurance: “Definitely this year.”
Changes to pensions?
There is a need for “flexible models that fit the new life situation”
It would be wise to provide incentives for those who are able and willing to work longer, she says.
She points to the limits for additional income abolished by the traffic light coalition as an example.
Lang argues: “Flexible models are needed that fit the new life situation” and adds: “Many people can, for example, imagine continuing to work in their own company for a few hours a week, passing on experiences - and thus having additional income in addition to their pension. “
During the discussion, she emphasized that the retirement age should be retained.
“An increase beyond 67 would lead to a reduction in pensions for professional groups such as construction workers who work hard physically and are therefore more likely to take early retirement,” said Lang.
“That is why we have ruled out further increases in the retirement age in the coalition agreement.” She also makes it clear that the pension will remain at 63 as an “expression of respect for life’s achievements”.
Lang is optimistic about her misstep because it has sparked new discussion about pensions
The Green Party leader defended her recent TV mishap regarding the average pension by claiming she "didn't have the number ready".
That is “of course annoying”.
However, she is now optimistic about this misstep because it has sparked a discussion about the situation of pensioners.
She is equally confident about possible new elections.
She has no intention of making room.
“The coalition will last until 2025,” assured the Green Party leader confidently.
(cln)
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