Berlin, December 2, 2025 – Germany’s CDU/CSU parliamentary group approved the pension reform package in a non-binding internal vote today. This eases the fears of a coalition crisis ahead of Friday’s final vote in the Bundestag.
Among the 208 conservative lawmakers, roughly 10 voted against the measure with 3-4 abstentions. This signals strong support for the pension reform despite pushback from the youth wing, Junge Union.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt urged unity. The successful trial vote reduces the risk of rebellion.
Bundestag leaders confirmed the vote for December 5, with a potential Bundesrat follow-up on December 19. Coalition officials pledged post-2031 talks on sustainability factors to address long-term viability.
Germany’s pension reform locks the statutory pension level at 48% of average net income until 2031. This prevents the automatic pension cuts from demographic shifts.
The reform also introduces a voluntary “active pension” (Aktivrente) from 2026. This allows retirees to work part-time post-retirement age. The retirees will receive 10% of their previous pension for each year of additional contributions up to age 70, without fully suspending benefits.
The package also commits to reviewing sustainability factors after 2031. However, it excludes increasing the retirement age.
Critics highlight the current reform puts the younger generations at risk in the long-term. They argue that the 48% guarantee delays structural reforms required amid shrinking worker-to-retiree ratios.
