Thuringia’s Minister-President Mario Voigt has voiced disagreement with proposals recently put forward by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Katharina Reiche, regarding pension reform. In an interview with “Der Stern” magazine, Voigt emphasized the importance of a dignified retirement for those who have dedicated their working lives to the system.
“Individuals who have worked a lifetime are entitled to a retirement that allows them to live comfortably and any alternative is unfair” Voigt stated. He explicitly rejected proposals to raise the age at which individuals can begin receiving pension benefits.
Highlighting the impact such changes would have on specific groups, Voigt argued that raising the retirement age would be unrealistic and unacceptable, particularly for those in physically demanding occupations. He advocated for a fairer pension system, one that considers the contributions of current retirees as well as the needs of future generations.
Voigt, who also serves on the CDU party executive, believes that blanket increases to the retirement age are misguided. He instead championed the introduction of flexible transition arrangements rather than rigid age limits. This would allow individuals who wish to continue working beyond the statutory retirement age to do so voluntarily, referencing the planned “Aktivrente” model as an example.
The Minister-President concluded by asserting that discussions regarding pension reform should not unfairly burden those who have significantly contributed to the country’s economic stability over many decades.
