US EditionGermany's Merz secures absolute majority for pensions bill
Chancellor Merz secured a narrow absolute majority of 319 votes in the Bundestag to pass pension reforms fixing pensions at 48% of average wages through 2031 despite 18 youth faction rebels.
- On Dec 5, Chancellor Friedrich Merz secured an absolute majority for his pensions bill in the Bundestag with a 319-225 vote in Berlin.
- A revolt by 18 young conservative lawmakers challenged the bill, so Merz pushed for an absolute majority to avoid relying on opposition Left Party support and control coalition's parliamentary dynamics.
- The measure fixes state pensions at 48% of average wages through 2031, while opponents warned it could cost up to 15 billion euros per year, and the Social Democrats insisted the deal remain unchanged.
- The vote spared Merz from potential embarrassment over opposition abstentions, notably from the Left Party, and bolstered his authority amid a bumpy first seven months and a struggle to tame his coalition of conservatives and the SPD.
- Coalition leaders pledged a commission on pensions to report by mid-2026 as pensions become key political flashpoints amid weak public support and rising Alternative for Germany backing.
68 Articles
68 Articles
The Bundestag has decided on the pension law of the black and red government. In the end, an absolute majority came into being. Chancellor Merz renewed his promise to renew the pension system in a next step "comprehensive".
VdK President Bentele praises the pension package as a step forward. The 48 percent holding line is crucial, but not all aspects are convincing.
A package of reforms was adopted in extremis by the Bundestag. In Germany, too, the subject of pensions tarnishes Friedrich Merz's government.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz achieved the necessary majority in parliament for the pension bill on Friday, thus averting a potential government crisis.
With strong pressure on the critics in their own ranks, the government has brought the new pension package through the Bundestag. Nevertheless, nine MPs from the CDU/CSU Group did not support the retirement decision.
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