Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has criticized the perceived tone of the Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, accusing him of setting “the wrong notes.” Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel’s” podcast “Im Osten,” she pointed out that many people are deeply frustrated, especially because the Chancellor suggests that individuals “don’t work hard enough.”
Responding to the question of whether the Chancellor adequately addresses the concerns of eastern Germany, Schwesig replied that he does not, given his current rhetoric. She argued that many people are already working hard but receive lower wages than their counterparts in the West, and that discussions about a four-day week completely miss the mark for most people.
Regarding pension reform, Schwesig demands fundamental changes from the federal government. She strongly opposes the plan proposed by the government’s pensions commission to abolish the tax-free pension after 45 years of contributions. She stated that there should be a recognized difference between someone starting and contributing at age 18 versus someone starting at age 28.
The plan involves eliminating the contribution-free pension after 45 years of insurance and instead linking the legal retirement age to general increases in life expectancy. Schwesig criticized this fundamental approach, insisting that “contribution years are fairer” and adding that “life expectancy tells you nothing about the individual.”
Swesig noted that the criticism is echoed by the economy itself. She cited craft businesses and steel industries, which pointed out that young people begin working early and may not be able to continue until age 65 or 67. The SPD politician stressed that it is unacceptable for people to have to become sick just to be able to stop working.
For eastern Germany specifically, she stressed that pension reforms are existential because many people depend solely on the state pension. She highlighted that many residents in the East, despite their hard work, only earn low to medium incomes and lack accumulated wealth.
