Data released by the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) reveals that over 1.4 million retirees in Germany are currently employed, with nearly 375,000 holding positions that extend beyond part-time or minimum wage work. The figures, obtained by Left Party budget policy spokesperson Dietmar Bartsch and reported by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, reflect the situation as of December 31, 2023 and represent the most recent available data.
Bartsch characterized the statistics as a “clear warning signal” suggesting that the current statutory pension system is proving insufficient for many retirees to maintain a comfortable standard of living. He highlighted the disparity between Germany’s economic strength and its comparatively low pension replacement rate – currently standing significantly below the European Union average. He pointed to countries like Austria, the Netherlands and Denmark, which maintain replacement rates above 80 percent, contrasting this with Germany’s considerably lower figure. This situation, he argued, compels many older individuals to continue working out of necessity.
While acknowledging that some retirees choose to remain in the workforce to stay active and benefit from continued engagement, Bartsch cautioned against interpreting this as solely a voluntary phenomenon. He expressed concern that the government’s current approach – primarily focused on freezing pension levels rather than seeking improvements – fails to address the realities faced by millions.
Bartsch advocated for a comprehensive pension reform, proposing a model mirroring the Austrian system – an employee insurance scheme encompassing all income earners, including politicians, civil servants and the self-employed. He voiced disappointment regarding the perceived lack of engagement from Labor Minister Bärbel Bas on the issue.
