(de-news.net) – Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has called on the Bundestag to support the Federal Government’s proposed pension reforms following the presentation of the Pension Commission’s final report. Framing the recommendations as a central component of the coalition’s long-term social policy agenda, he argued that the reform package should now move swiftly into the legislative phase. Merz also made clear that he expects the measures to be enacted before the end of the year, emphasizing the importance of translating the commission’s work into binding law within a defined timeframe.
Speaking during a parliamentary question session, Merz urged lawmakers from across the political spectrum to engage constructively in the forthcoming debates. He argued that broad parliamentary cooperation would be essential if the reforms were to achieve their stated objectives of securing the long-term stability of Germany’s retirement system while also opening up new opportunities linked to capital-market participation. In his assessment, the commission’s recommendations amount to a comprehensive package of reforms and represent a significant step toward the development of a new pension model. The Chancellor further maintained that full implementation of the proposals would strengthen the sustainability of retirement incomes over the long term and help establish a new overall level of pension provision. According to Merz, these objectives remain achievable provided that parliament is able to reach consensus and complete the legislative process before the close of the year.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) likewise advocated a rapid implementation of the proposed reforms, stressing that the recommendations should not become stalled or diluted through prolonged political debate. The commission’s 33 recommendations were formally presented yesterday to Merz and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) by a panel consisting of 13 experts and political representatives. The Federal Government has indicated that it intends to implement the package with as few alterations as possible, reflecting its preference for adhering closely to the commission’s conclusions. Among the measures under consideration is a gradual increase in the statutory retirement age. Attention is now turning to the coalition committee meeting scheduled for next week, where senior figures from the CDU/CSU and SPD are expected to agree on a timetable that will guide the subsequent stages of the reform process and its parliamentary consideration.
Audio: TTSFree
