German CDU state leaders oppose Berlins plan to scrap early retirement after 45 years

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German CDU state leaders oppose Berlins plan to scrap early retirement after 45 years
German chancellor faces eastern CDU revolt over plan to scrap early retirement after 45 years
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German coalition tensions escalated on Tuesday as multiple state premiers from the center-right CDU publicly opposed the federal government’s plan to abolish the early retirement provision allowing pensioners to draw benefits without deductions after 45 years of contributions, commonly known as the “Rente mit 63.”
Saxony’s CDU Premier Michael Kretschmer, one of the most vocal critics, argued the reform fails to account for the economic realities in eastern Germany, where he said 4 to 5 million retirees live on average monthly pensions of €1,300–€1,500. Kretschmer posted his concerns on X, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to pensions and long-term care .
The Social Democratic Party, which had long championed the early retirement rule, initially muted its criticism to preserve coalition unity. However, SPD co-leader and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas shifted the burden back to the CDU, stating the party must clarify its stance. “The SPD will certainly not oppose” retaining the provision if the Union supports it, Bas said, while insisting the reform package could not be dismantled piece by piece .
Unionsfraktionschef Thorsten Frei, a CDU lawmaker, rejected the possibility of reversing the abolition, calling the reform a cohesive package endorsed by coalition leaders. “This commitment will be honored,” Frei told Welt TV, adding that the measure is part of a broader pension commission plan that includes capital-funded elements . Commission members, including economist Jörg Rocholl, warned that removing the early retirement provision could jeopardize other reforms, such as the introduction of capital-backed pensions .
In Austria, the conservative ÖVP reignited pension debates with proposals to link retirement age to years worked rather than biological age. Ingrid Korosec, head of the ÖVP Senior Citizens’ Association, suggested 40, 42, or 45 years of employment as a basis for pension eligibility. Tyrol’s Governor Anton Mattle later proposed requiring 45 years of contributions for early retirement at 65 and called for a public hearing with live streaming to present reform options transparently . The SPÖ, Austria’s social democrats, maintained their opposition to raising the legal retirement age, calling it a “red line” .
The AfD has amplified the pension dispute in eastern Germany through a targeted campaign, contributing to the growing resistance among state leaders . Meanwhile, a new poll showed the AfD achieving a record lead over the CDU/CSU, with over half of respondents expressing doubt that any party could solve current issues .
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