A leading figure within the German Green Party has questioned the effectiveness of the “Mütterrente” (Mothers’ Pension) as a tool for advancing gender equality. Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Greens, stated in interviews with Bavarian media outlets that the pension currently provides an average of only 20 euros per month for women.
Brantner expressed concern regarding the coalition government’s prioritization, arguing that the focus should be on combating poverty among older women. She argued that the fundamental issue lies in the situation of women who have worked throughout their lives and raised families, yet find themselves reliant on basic social security in retirement.
“The real question of fairness is: women who have worked and raised children their entire lives and are still dependent on social assistance in old age. That’s unfair. That’s where we need to intervene – and we could immediately do so. But that isn’t happening” Brantner commented. She underscored the need to address the root causes of this vulnerability in old age rather than implementing measures with limited impact.
