Leading CDU politicians are calling for a major pension reform this year, with a particular focus on strengthening both company‑sponsored and private retirement schemes.
Pascal Reddig, a CDU member of the pension‑reform commission and former Bundestag voter against the current government package, said:
> “A large pension reform must follow this year. That is a consensus”.
He added that the commission’s early establishment is a positive step and that it will work urgently to boost corporate and private pension provision.
Johannes Winkel, head of the Junge Union, emphasized the urgency:
> “A big reform is not only realistic but necessary. In the 2030s we will see the Baby‑Boomer generations leave the labour market entirely, putting the pay‑as‑you‑go system in an unsolvable position. We need the courage for real reform”.
He also defended the Chancellor’s push for stronger employee profit‑sharing in corporate earnings, arguing:
> “Why don’t we share company profits with employees in Germany? Leaving this to investors is absurd”.
Marc Biadacz, the union faction’s social‑policy spokesperson, highlighted the commission’s timetable:
> “By summer the commission will produce concrete proposals for a Pension Reform II, which we will then fast‑track in the second half of the year. Many ideas and approaches are already on the table”.
He noted that the commission must also explore the future role of company and private pensions, concluding:
> “Our goal is a pension system that stays stable, financially viable, and fair for all generations”.
