Unions leader Jens Spahn has warned of a potential government crisis if the pension package fails in parliament. Resistance from the Young Group in the CDU/CSU is reportedly crumbling, but Spahn highlights risks to other policy areas. He expects a majority to form for the compromise proposal.
In the ARD show 'Caren Miosga,' CDU politician Jens Spahn warned of unforeseeable consequences if the Young Group continues to block the pension package. The 18 MPs criticize Labor Minister Bärbel Bas's (SPD) plans, as they could cause follow-up costs of up to 10 billion euros for younger generations after 2031. Spahn emphasized: 'The consequence will be that everything comes to a standstill for now: citizen's income, migration, energy policy – we still have a lot to do in parallel.'
Despite the difficult situation – Germany is in its third year of recession, the economy is shrinking, and Europe is unstable – Spahn understands the Young Group's concerns. The pension system is not prepared for the 2030s because action was delayed too long. Nevertheless, tough compromises are necessary: 'Every vote has consequences beyond the issue at hand, and this struggle is happening right now.'
Coalition leaders from the Union and SPD have proposed a compromise: The law stabilizing the pension level should pass the Bundestag unchanged, accompanied by a resolution. This promises an expert commission to develop proposals for a major pension reform by summer, including examining an extension of working life beyond the retirement age of 67 – a taboo for the SPD. According to Bild and faction circles, resistance is crumbling; the Young MPs are exploring compromises to avoid failure before state elections in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate and to not jeopardize SPD approval for citizen's income reform.
Spahn is continuing talks with the rebels and expects: 'The majority is forming.' The Union faction meets on Tuesday; with sufficient votes, the Bundestag vote could follow this week, with the Bundesrat on December 19. The law would then take effect on January 1, 2026. Spahn plans no personnel consequences but stresses maneuver criticism for the faction and government.