Federal Social Affairs Minister Bärbel Bas has called for a structural reform of the pension system and criticized ideas from her coalition partner. She expects bold proposals from the new pension commission. Additionally, she does not see herself as the SPD's chancellor candidate.
Federal Social Affairs Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) has demanded a fundamental reform of the pension system in an interview with Stern. "I want a structural reform of the pension. It really takes courage – and I have it," she said. The minister emphasized that a model is needed where people receive a higher pension after a long working life and do not end up in basic security despite years of contributions. Contributions must remain within limits.
Bas expressed skepticism about the Union's willingness to reform. She is curious about how open the Union is to changes and mentioned considerations to include civil servants in the statutory pension system. However, CSU leader Markus Söder has made clear that he will not touch civil servants' pensions. The minister criticized proposals to simply work until 70 and abolish early retirement: "It cannot just be about working until 70 and scrapping early retirement."
The federal government established a pension commission in December, which will begin work in January and present proposals by the end of June 2026. It builds on previous measures. Previously, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) pushed through a reform package against resistance in his faction using a chancellor's majority, leading to a coalition crisis.
Additionally, Bas called for a clearer profile for the SPD and rules out a chancellor candidacy for the 2029 federal election: "It's a bit early. Not me." The party must focus on secure jobs, economic upswing, and an efficient social state.
