In the ongoing debate regarding the forthcoming pension reform, SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf insists on maintaining the option for a non-discounted pension after 45 years of contributions. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel”, Klüssendorf noted that while the Pension Commission has presented a package of 33 measures, and the majority of these proposals-such as the capital-backed expansion of the pension-can be implemented as they are, “millions of citizens count on the SPD when it comes to retaining the non-discounted pension after 45 contribution years.”
He stressed that it must be clear that individual contribution periods matter in the future. He advocated for a pension reform that is equitable and provides genuine security, arguing that cuts do not constitute a true reform.
Furthermore, the SPD General Secretary addressed the scope of insured persons within the public pension system and called for the inclusion of new civil servants. He stated that the time has come to ensure that all citizens contribute to the statutory pension, covering self-employed individuals, parliamentarians, and new public officials. Specifically regarding politicians, Klüssendorf demanded immediate action, urging that Bundestag members should begin contributing to the public pension insurance starting with the next legislative period, thereby setting a positive example.
