The CDU’s Economic Council has urged the Federal Minister of Labor, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), in a letter sent by General Secretary Wolfgang Steiger, to abolish the “Retirement at 63” program. This call to action, included in a two-page document shared with the party leadership and labor policy spokespersons of the CDU, CSU, and SPD, was reportedly forwarded on Wednesday.
Steiger emphasized that the SPD has frequently committed to social justice. By addressing this issue, he stated, the Minister could successfully counter any accusations that the party is refusing necessary reforms. He suggested that abolishing the so-called “Retirement at 63” would serve as a “convincing beginning” to demonstrate this commitment.
The Economic Council’s criticism revolves around five perceived injustices created by the policy, affecting young contributors, poorer retirees, women, individuals facing health limitations, and businesses. According to a DIW study cited in the letter, the abolition of this program could potentially result in significant long-term savings, estimated at approximately €9.5 billion for each birth year when distributed over decades.
Steiger concluded his appeal by demanding that Schweitzer scrap what he described as an “unjust privilege,” advocating instead that support resources be concentrated on individuals who are genuinely unable to work due to health issues.
