Niedersachsen’s Minister-President, Olaf Lies (SPD), has called for the federal government’s reform package to be socially cushioned. Speaking to the Handelsblatt, Lies stated that while the vast majority of the reforms should remain, they “must not be implemented with headfirst into a wall when there is no acceptance for them.”
Regarding social welfare, Lies opposed plans to completely scrap the option of retiring at age 63. He argued that individuals with 45 contribution years should be able to retire earlier than those without those years. He expressed frustration that the perception is being created that length of contribution does not matter, calling it “unconscionable” towards people who have worked despite having less money.
Lies also urged corrections to the labor market reforms. He specifically advocated for the “block model” of reduced working hours as a transition into retirement, noting that this is urgently needed if companies are to successfully manage their transformation. Furthermore, the SPD Minister-President criticized the reform package for failing to adequately promote economic growth. His primary concern was high energy prices, which he stressed must be reduced. He advocated that network fees should be completely removed from electricity costs and financed through the federal budget.
On the political front, Lies rejected the idea of a potential change in the chancellorship. He dismissively stated, “We are not a football club where you replace the coach and then expect to win the Champions League.” He argued that the fundamental challenges have not vanished merely because the top leadership changes, and that personnel debates are simply distractions from real societal problems. He advised against such rhetoric.
Lies applied the same skepticism to the discussion surrounding the SPD party chairmanship, making it clear he does not share the view-whether regarding the Chancellor or the party leader-that a new face arriving tomorrow will magically fix everything. He cautioned against pursuing inappropriate debates at the December SPD party convention, warning that if the outcome of the convention were self-employment, it would send the wrong signal.
