The internal dispute within the CDU regarding the pension reform plans involving the coalition partners has intensified. CDU Member of the Bundestag Tilman Kuban told the Tagesspiegel that “the pension package is the starting point to get Germany back on track.” He argued that successfully implementing the plans would help the CDU regain credibility and trust both nationally and across all German states. The former chairman of the Young Union added that the party would grow stronger by jointly implementing sound decisions.
Previously, three CDU state prime ministers from Eastern Germany had voiced opposition to the proposal to abolish pensions without deductions after 45 years of insurance. This stance was supported by Manuela Schwesig, the Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (SPD), who had made similar statements in previous weeks. Meanwhile, Michael Kretschmer, the head of the government in Saxony (CDU), has openly threatened a “No” vote in the Bundesrat.
However, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei and CDU General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann defended the proposed pension reforms. Johannes Winkel, chairman of the Young Union and a CDU Member of the Bundestag, echoed these views. Speaking to the Tagesspiegel, he insisted, “Despite understanding for election campaigns and party positioning, please remain responsible and serious. One should not play so carelessly with the future and the pension agreement that has been reached.”
