(de-news.net) – In light of mounting fiscal and demographic pressures, Peter Adrian, President of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), has issued a call for comprehensive reforms to Germany’s statutory social insurance programs. Speaking on behalf of the business community, Adrian advocated for targeted reductions in benefits provided by the statutory health and long-term care insurance schemes, arguing that the current trajectory of rising social contributions and tax burdens is unsustainable. Adrian emphasized the importance of recalibrating the balance between state support and individual responsibility. One must move away from the mentality of comprehensive coverage, he stated, underscoring the need to establish realistic limits on publicly funded services. According to Adrian, the state cannot be expected to fully finance every form of care dependency, and a more nuanced approach is required to ensure the system’s long-term viability.

As part of his proposed reforms, Adrian called for increased personal contributions from individuals who are financially capable of bearing such costs within the statutory health insurance framework. He asserted that this measure would help preserve the integrity of the system without placing undue strain on public finances. In addition to healthcare and long-term care, Adrian addressed the pressing issue of pension reform. He proposed a gradual increase in the statutory retirement age beginning in 2031, citing rising life expectancy and shifting demographic trends as key factors necessitating this adjustment. To further discourage premature retirement, Adrian suggested imposing higher financial deductions on individuals who opt to exit the workforce before reaching the standard retirement age.