(de-news.net) – Economist Veronika Grimm has advocated a reassessment of benefit provisions in response to the increasing financial burden on social insurance systems. She emphasized the importance of greater transparency regarding the affordability of services within the pension, healthcare, and long-term care sectors. Concerns were expressed about the viability of recent political commitments, with particular reference to the government’s decision to fix the pension level at 48 percent. It was suggested that such measures could discourage private savings among individuals with the financial capacity to contribute independently.

Grimm maintained that similar considerations are relevant to long-term care, where reductions in benefits may be required to ensure fiscal sustainability. She rejected proposals for comprehensive public coverage in this domain, arguing that those capable of bearing part of the financial responsibility should be expected to do so. Furthermore, she urged policymakers to monitor ancillary labor costs, noting that these currently stand at 42 percent and may rise to 45 percent by the end of the legislative period, potentially diminishing the attractiveness of employment.