A survey reveals that half of Germans reject linking the retirement age to contribution years. Economist Jens Südekum's proposal faces skepticism especially among academics and supporters of left-leaning parties. Politicians from SPD and CSU remain open to the idea.
The Forsa survey, commissioned by Stern and RTL and conducted on December 11 and 12, 2024, with 1,001 respondents, found that 48 percent oppose tying the retirement age to the number of contribution years. Two percent gave no response, indicating a divided public opinion.
Education level influences views: Among those with high school diplomas or university degrees, 51 percent reject the proposal, while 46 percent support it. In contrast, 56 percent of respondents with basic school qualifications see merit in such a link, with only 42 percent against.
Party affiliations highlight the split. Supporters of CDU/CSU (56 percent) and AfD (54 percent) back the reform by a majority. Opponents include voters of SPD (53 percent), Greens (53 percent), and the Left party (55 percent).
The idea comes from economics professor Jens Südekum, who also advises Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD). Südekum criticizes a uniform retirement age of 70 and advocates adjusting it to individual contribution periods, which could delay retirement for academics. Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD), SPD Secretary General Tim Klüssendorf, and CSU leader Markus Söder express openness. However, the Confederation of German Employers' Associations rejects it.
This debate follows the Bundestag's recent approval of the government's pension package, which still needs Bundesrat passage. Disputes centered on stabilizing the pension level, and a pension commission is set to convene before Christmas.
