The German Social Association SoVD has sharply criticized proposals from Economics Minister Katarina Reiche (CDU) advocating for a delayed retirement age, branding them as a veiled attempt to diminish pension entitlements for working citizens. Michaela Engelmeier, SoVD’s chairwoman, voiced her concerns to the Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, arguing that Reiche’s suggestions effectively represent a “backdoor pension cut” for a significant portion of the workforce.
Engelmeier highlighted the already pressing reality faced by many Germans, particularly those in physically or emotionally demanding occupations, who struggle to reach retirement age in good health. She questioned the rationale behind using economic strengthening as a justification for further systemic alterations to the pension system. “As a social association, we cannot accept continued erosion of the pension system under the guise of economic necessity” Engelmeier stated.
Beyond the specific proposal, the SoVD also expressed reservations concerning the composition of the newly formed Pension Commission, tasked with formulating comprehensive pension reform proposals by mid-2026. Engelmeier emphasized the necessity of incorporating practical, on-the-ground perspectives, arguing that purely scientific expertise alone is insufficient. She asserted that associations like SoVD, representing the interests of affected individuals, should be directly involved in the Commission’s deliberations to ensure a truly representative and equitable reform process. This omission, she implies, risks perpetuating policies detached from the lived realities of the German population. The debate underscores a growing tension between economic demands and the social safety net, raising questions about the long-term viability and fairness of Germany’s pension system.
