Manuela Schwesig, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and a member of the SPD, is strongly opposed to the Federal Government’s pension plans. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel”, she stated that she does not agree with the Chancellor that these proposals must be implemented exactly as presented. While she acknowledges the existence of a proposal, she believes it must be subject to broader debate, noting that the states, for instance, were not involved in the commission work. She argues that such far-reaching decisions cannot be made without involving the states and social partners.
Despite acknowledging some merits, Schwesig is dissatisfied with specific aspects of the pension commission’s recommendations. She describes the plans as having both “light and shadow.” Specifically, the SPD politician opposed the extension of working life and the elimination of the “Rente mit 63” (pension at age 63). Schwesig deems the increase in the official retirement age and the linkage to life expectancy to be incorrect. Instead, she suggests that justice should be based on years of contributions, arguing that those who have worked 45 years or more should be able to retire without penalties.
However, Schwesig does recognize positive elements within the draft. She supported the effort to find ways to ensure the retirement level remains at 48 percent in the long term. Furthermore, she supports the expansion of the circle of contributors, though she believes it would be fairer if not only politicians and executive board members, but also newly appointed civil servants were required to contribute to the pension fund.
