Johannes Winkel, head of the Junge Union, has expressed increasing impatience with Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD). Winkel told Stern that if the Social Democrats intend to alter measures that have already been agreed upon, such as the reform concerning the retirement age of 63 or the requirement for sick notes, these changes must be discussed and agreed upon internally. The influential Member of Parliament warned that “it cannot function within the Union if points that have already been settled are repeatedly questioned in public interviews.”
This criticism follows an interview given by Bas to the Funke-Mediengruppe over the weekend, where she called into question central agreements made by the coalition committee. In the interview, she stated, “I am loyal to the coalition, but we should ask ourselves again whether this is sensible,” particularly regarding the planned mandatory certification of sickness from the first day off. She fundamentally disagrees with this policy. Furthermore, concerning the planned abolition of the “pension at 63,” Bas indicated her openness to a five-year transition period, noting that a draft law from her office is not yet available.
Winkel urged immediate action on policy matters, stating, “The pension reform must also be implemented within this legislative term. It would be unacceptable if this pension reform were to be postponed.” He demanded that the federal government now take responsibility for mitigating the effects of demographic change, according to the leader of the Christian democratic youth organization.
