CDU's Reddig urges swift end to 'pension at 63' as commission calls for deep reforms
Pascal Reddig, a CDU lawmaker and member of the government's pension commission, called for the immediate abolition of Germany's early retirement scheme after the panel recommended deep reforms. Chancellor Merz and Social Minister Bas vowed speedy implementation.
Commission proposes sweeping pension overhaul
On Tuesday, the government-appointed pension commission delivered 33 recommendations for a fundamental restructuring of Germany's old-age provision system. Among the key proposals is an end to early retirement without deductions after 45 years of contributions, a scheme known as "Rente mit 63" even though it is currently accessible from age 64 and a half. The commission's report states that the abolition should take place at the earliest possible moment, respecting the constitutionally required protection of legitimate expectations, but it does not set a concrete timeline.
Reddig demands quick action
Pascal Reddig, a CDU member of the commission and chairman of the Young Group within the Union parliamentary caucus, insisted that the phase-out must happen faster than a generous transition period would allow. In an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND), he said a five-year window would be too long.
If we want to achieve a turnaround, we must hurry and not let all the baby boomer cohorts retire early without deductions. Therefore, the abolition should take effect as early as possible. A five-year transition period would be too long.
Trust protection for near-term retirees
Reddig recognised that some form of grandfathering is necessary. He said those who have planned to retire early without deductions in the coming year should still be able to do so, but the scheme cannot be prolonged much beyond that. The commission echoed this view, calling for trust protection rules without specifying an exact cut-off date.
The abolition should take place at the earliest possible time, taking into account the constitutionally required protection of legitimate expectations.
Government signals full support
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Social Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) had already declared that they would implement the commission's entire package quickly and in full, adding weight to the political push for reform.
- Pension commission submits 33 reform proposals, including the abolition of early retirement without deductions after 45 contribution years.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Social Minister Bärbel Bas declare they will implement the package swiftly and in full.
- CDU's Pascal Reddig tells RND that a five-year transition period would be too long and calls for abolition as early as possible.
