"Ruthless": SPD defends itself against Spahn's pension cuts plans for Malochern

Abolish retirement at 63? With this proposal, Jens Spahn has rushed ahead. The SPD is incensed – and puts the ex-minister in his place.

Berlin - A lot of headwind for Jens Spahn (CDU): After his push to abolish the pension at 63, a heated debate has flared up in Germany. While the CDU/CSU sees no other way out of the impending pension gap in view of the shortage of skilled workers, the Left Party and the SPD accuse the opposition of igniting social cohesion.

Abolish retirement at 63? SPD indignantly rejects Spahn's proposal

Rhineland-Palatinate's Prime Minister Malu Dreyer (SPD) reacted particularly sharply to Jens Spahn's initiative. The fact that the former health minister and current Union parliamentary group deputy wants to abolish the pension at 63 is "unfair and inconsiderate," the Social Democrat railed on Monday (29 May) in an interview with the dpa news agency. "It's about people who have worked for 45 years and paid into the pension fund," said the SPD politician. "People who have mostly been working since they were 14 years old."

If necessary, Maurer wants to work longer: Union parliamentary group deputy Jens Spahn (CDU) calls for the abolition of the pension at 63. © Kay Nietfeld/Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa

Dreyer further emphasized: "Mr. Spahn may not even be able to imagine that. It's about roofers, salespeople, nurses, workers who have worked hard all their careers and contributed a lot to the prosperity of our country."

Retirement at 63: Long-term insured persons can retire in stages without deductions

The regulation was introduced in 2014 by the then black-red federal government. The pension at 63 is aimed at "particularly long-term insured persons" who have paid contributions for at least 45 years. Until now, those born before 1953 have been able to retire at 63 without any deductions. For younger people born before 1963, this age limit increases gradually. From the year of birth 1964 onwards, it is then again at 65 years, as it says in general information from the German Pension Insurance.

However, in view of the shortage of skilled workers in Germany and the associated problems in financing pension systems, there is always resistance to an early retirement of employees. In the Bild am Sonntag, Spahn had therefore dared to make a new push – and called for the abolition of the pension at 63.

Does retiring at 63 cost too much wealth? Spahn calls for abolition

"Retiring at 63 costs prosperity, burdens future generations and sets the wrong incentives. It should be abolished immediately and replaced by a better disability pension," the Union politician said. Two million skilled workers who had retired earlier were now "sorely lacking".

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The SPD, the Greens and the Left immediately met with opposition to the demand. On Monday, Dreyer went one step further. The abolition of retirement at 63 would hit hard people who have worked hard all their lives and often with full physical commitment. "For me, it is a sign of respect that they can retire without deductions after such a long time," Dreyer emphasized. It is irresponsible that the Union around Spahn wants to push these people into the disability pension. (jkf/