Matthias Miersch, the SPD parliamentary group leader, has demanded that Members of the Bundestag also be required to contribute to the statutory pension insurance. He made this statement Sunday during the ARD program “Bericht aus Berlin.”
Addressing the ongoing debate regarding whether civil servants should pay into the state pension scheme, Miersch emphasized that parliamentarians should also not be exempt from contributing pension contributions. He stated, “I believe that the deputies must naturally pay in as well.” The SPD politician further stressed that there is a fundamental principle that everyone must contribute to all these systems based on their capacity, not just for pensions, but also for health and long-term care. He noted that making everyone contribute according to their ability is a vision that his party supports.
Looking ahead to the dialogue between social partners scheduled for next week, followed by a coalition committee meeting, Miersch cautioned against high expectations for quick and comprehensive reform agreements. “It will depend heavily on whether employers and trade unions show willingness on Wednesday,” he said. However, he made clear that a so-called “coordinated action” would not be necessary. While he suggested that any decisions ready to be made should be finalized by July 1st, the SPD politician also added that the summer recess should be used to “continue the work.”
