The Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst (CDU), has called on the federal government to undertake a significant pension reform aimed at ensuring intergenerational fairness. In an interview with Focus magazine, Wüst expressed his belief that a comprehensive reform within the current legislative period would be beneficial. He indicated a greater confidence in the potential for the CDU and SPD parties to successfully modernize the German pension system.
Wüst emphasized the need for a system that acknowledges the contributions of younger generations throughout their working lives. Responding to questions regarding potential adjustments, he suggested leveraging increased life expectancy as a key factor. He cautioned against policies that disincentivize continued workforce participation, endorsing the concept of flexible retirement options – such as the “active retirement” model proposed by the current federal government – as a suitable response.
The politician further argued that the state should consider offering tax incentives for individuals who wish to remain actively employed after their traditional retirement age, rather than consistently penalizing them. He stressed that any policies encouraging longer working lives must be accompanied by a thorough assessment of the feasibility of such extensions, particularly within physically demanding professions. To facilitate this, Wüst advocated for earlier and more frequent access to preventative and rehabilitation services, believing this is crucial for enabling extended working lives without placing undue strain on individuals.
