German Labor Minister Bärbel Bas is open to reforming the pension system by tying retirement entry to the number of contribution years rather than age alone. She views the idea as fundamentally sound and anticipates discussions in the pension commission. The proposal aims for greater fairness across varied career paths.
German Labor Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD) expressed support in the ARD program »Bericht aus Berlin« for reshaping retirement entry. Instead of a fixed age, the number of contribution years should be decisive. »I find the idea fundamentally quite good,« she stated. There are two possible approaches: adjustment to life expectancy or to a specific »stretch« of payments into social insurance.
As an example, Bas mentioned individuals starting training at age 16 and reaching a fixed contribution period. These could retire earlier. Those starting later, such as after university studies, would need to work longer. Such models are to be debated in the soon-to-be-established pension commission.
The proposal builds on ideas from economist Jens Südekum, who serves as advisor to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD). In »Bild am Sonntag,« Südekum called for linking the start of pension to a minimum number of contribution years to secure the statutory pension. »Lifetime working hours are a lever we must adjust,« he emphasized. This would be fairer, as academics pay in later than apprentices.
Bas made similar comments in the »Rheinische Post.« Currently, the retirement age rises gradually to 67 by 2031. With 45 contribution years, early exit is possible. For those born after January 1, 1953, the age limit increases by two months per birth year; for those born after January 1, 1964, it is 65 without deductions.
The Bundestag recently passed a pension package, which now needs Bundesrat approval. Disputes centered on stabilizing the pension level and expanding mothers' pensions. A pension commission is set to start before Christmas and deliver proposals by mid-2026, to be quickly enacted into law.