The Left sharply criticized Jens Spahn’s proposal to stop counting university years toward pension contributions. “Studying must not become a trap for retirement security” said Left leader Ines Schwerdtner in the “Rheinische Post” Thursday issue. “Spahn’s plan risks worsening future old‑age poverty. Rather than cutting pension rights, we must stabilize the statutory pension and distribute funding fairly. A long working life should not end in hardship, and study years are not wasted time but investments in our shared future” she added. Spahn had suggested that future academic years should no longer be treated as insured years under the pension scheme, making it harder for graduates to reach the 35 years of insurance required for full retirement benefits.
Politics
