US EditionMerz hopes to avoid German coalition crisis with vow to overhaul pensions
The reform aims to maintain pensions at 48% of average income until 2031 and includes €10 billion from state dividends to support private pensions.
- Speaking Friday after late-night talks, Chancellor Friedrich Merz dug in on pension reforms despite Junge Union resistance, saying `I think there will be broad agreement within the parliamentary group on this approach and these proposals`.
- Cabinet-Approved in August, the package is a coalition agreement key element aiming to keep pensions at 48 percent of average income until 2031 and use 10 billion euros from state share portfolio including Deutsche Telekom and Commerzbank.
- The reform includes an 'active retirement' allowing pensioners to earn up to €2,000 tax-free per month and extends 'mothers' pensions' for current and future pensioners.
- With a crucial vote expected next week, 18 Junge Union lawmakers threaten to block the bill, risking a government majority of 12, while Merz promised a broader pensions review due in 2026.
- Separately, youth-organisation controversies have surfaced after a Saturday speech, prompting AfD to remove a council member and Stephen Kramer to say it's about `Ethnic nationalism and allusions and parallels to the guiding principles of the Hitler Youth are some of the points of reference here`.
39 Articles
39 Articles
German conservatives pass trial vote on pension reform in win for coalition
German conservatives pass trial vote on pension reform in win for coalition Conservative legislators in Germany voted by a large majority in favour of a contested pension reform package in what had been billed as a trial ballot ahead of a full parliamentary vote on the move, a person present at the caucus meeting said.The result reduces the risk of further strife within conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition with the Social Democrats…
The government is wrestling with resistance in the CDU/CSU Group. The pension package thus becomes a question of power. 18 members of the "young group" block a resolution. What now?
The Union Group Vize expects approval of the controversial pension reform. On Tuesday a trial vote takes place in the group. All developments in the ticker.
The coalition has found a way out of its pension misery. What the pension plans mean for young, middle-aged and old people.
mannheim24.de
Young Members of the European Union reject the pension package. The coalition committee has agreed on an accompanying text to convince them. Labour Minister Bas believes that this is enough for the approval of the Bundestag.
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