Currently, the coalition negotiations of the newly formed traffic light government are being conducted intensively. Among other things, the future of old-age provision is also discussed. Germany’s citizens are eagerly awaiting the new government’s plans and how they will affect their pensions.
The challenges in pension policy are great: Contributions are falling, the retirement age is rising and old-age poverty is increasing. The new traffic light government must therefore find innovative solutions to secure pension provision in Germany in the long term.
One possibility, for example, would be greater support for private pension provision. But an increase in the pension level, a stabilization of the retirement age or an improvement in the conditions for care-giving relatives would also be conceivable. This series of articles takes a closer look at the individual proposals and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.
One thing is certain, however: the traffic light government has set itself the goal of future-proofing old-age provision in Germany and ensuring that the burden is shared fairly. Exactly what these plans will look like remains to be seen – but all citizens can be sure that their pensions will remain an important part of the political discussion.
Plans to increase pension levels
The new traffic light government aims to increase the pension level. Low earners and people with many years of work are expected to benefit in particular. To achieve these goals, the government plans to implement several measures.
- Increasing the statutory minimum pension: The statutory minimum pension is to be raised gradually. This should help people with low pensions in particular.
- Extending the maternity pension: Women who gave birth to children before 1992 are to receive a higher maternity pension in the future. This should also strengthen women’s pension entitlements.
- Abolition of deductions for early retirement: Up to now, those who retire early have had to put up with deductions. These are to be abolished in the future, in order to ease the burden on people with many years of work in particular.
However, the measures to increase the pension level are not without controversy. Critics fear that the cost of pension reforms will not be sustainable in the long term. In addition, younger generations would also have to pay higher contributions to finance the pension level.
The new government nevertheless intends to stick to its plans and increase the pension level. It remains to be seen what other measures will be implemented and what impact the pension reforms will have on retirement provision.
Improved pension through occupational pension
The new traffic light government has plans to improve employee pensions in Germany. One of the most important projects in this area is the improvement of the occupational pension.
Employers are to be encouraged to invest more in their employees’ pensions company pensions through new incentives. In this way, employees should be provided with additional security in order to be better off financially in old age. Improved occupational pensions can help narrow the pension gap and provide older people with adequate income to support themselves.
To ensure that employers and their employees benefit from this policy, clear rules and regulations must be created. These include, for example, obliging employers to finance an appropriate share of company pensions. Employees should also receive transparent information about their company pension in order to benefit from this offer in the best possible way.
- Company pension as additional protection
- Incentives for employers to invest in company pensions
- Rules and regulations to safeguard employees and employers
- Transparent information on company pensions for employees
The new traffic light government aims to reduce the pension gap in Germany and improve the standard of living of older people. Strengthening company pensions is intended to improve working conditions and financial security for employees. However, implementing these plans will require close cooperation between employers, employees and the government.
Flexible retirement with the flexi-retirement scheme
The new traffic light government has big plans for your pension. One of the most important projects is the introduction of the flexi-pension. This is designed to allow you to retire flexibly while continuing to earn extra money.
The idea behind the flexi pension is simple: as a retiree, you receive a flexible monthly income that automatically adjusts to your individual needs and wishes. For example, you can continue to work part-time and additionally supplement your pension in the process.
Another advantage of the Flexi pension is that you can plan your retirement individually. No longer be forced to retire at age 67. Instead, you can retire sooner or later while still being financially secure.
The introduction of the flexi pension is an important step toward a modern pension policy. It will allow people to stay in the workforce longer and still be financially secure. Take the opportunity to find out about the advantages of the Flexi pension.
Fairer pensions for women and the long-term unemployed: The plans of the new traffic light government
The new traffic light government has recently presented its plans for a fairer pension. Women and the long-term unemployed in particular are to benefit.
A central point of the pension plan is that women’s pensions are to be topped up. Women earn less than men on average and are therefore often affected by poverty in old age. To counteract this, a quota for women in management positions is to be introduced to reduce the wage gap. In addition, child-raising periods are to be better included in pension calculations.
The long-term unemployed are also to benefit from the pension plans. They are to be guaranteed better security in old age. For example, periods of unemployment should be better taken into account. In addition, the government wants to ensure that people with low incomes also receive an adequate pension.
- Another point of the pension reform is to strengthen company pension plans. Employers are to be obliged to contribute to their employees’ pension plans.
- In addition, pension insurance is to be expanded to include a sustainability component. The amount of the pension should also depend on the state of the economy.
- Another goal of the pension reform is to equalize pensions in East and West Germany. Pensions in the new federal states are to be gradually brought into line with pensions in the west.
The new traffic light government’s plans should help make pensions in Germany fairer. Women and the long-term unemployed in particular are to benefit and be better protected in old age.