Johannes Winkel, the head of the Young Union, launched a fierce attack on CSU chief Markus Söder regarding the ongoing debate over the planned pension reform. Winkel defended the proposals put forward by the Pension Commission against criticism leveled by the Union.
Speaking to “Stern,” Winkel stated that the commission demonstrated that significant progress can be achieved when working without ideological bias and focusing purely on the issues at hand. He added that he hoped that politicians who have been in office for many years would adopt this mindset. “Everyone must now fulfill their responsibility to the country instead of torpedoing a pension reform that has been awaited in Germany for 30 years,” Winkel asserted. In a pointed jab referencing Söder’s recently changed appearance, he continued: “Forward-looking politics doesn’t just have to shave their beard; they also need to cut off old ties.”
Prior to this, CSU chief Söder had strictly rejected the Pension Commission’s proposal to largely abolish contribution-free mini-jobs, warning strongly about potential dangers to the economy. Criticism of the plan to raise the retirement age from 63 also came from the SPD, notably from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Minister-President Manuela Schwesig.
In contrast, Johannes Winkel pledged his full support to CDU leader Friedrich Merz regarding future reforms. “Friedrich Merz can always count on our complete backing when it comes to getting the country ready for the future,” Winkel remarked, referring to the proposed pension overhaul as a “Gamechanger.”
