College Students Union (CSU) voices opposition to prolonged work lives for the wealthy

College Students Union (CSU) voices opposition to prolonged work lives for the wealthy

In a recent development, the CSU in the German Bundestag has rejected a proposal to increase the working life span, as communicated by CSU parliamentary group leader, Alexander Hoffmann, to "Bild am Sonntag."

The subject of discussion has been the extension of the working life span in Germany, a proposal made by Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche (CDU). However, the CSU's stance is firmly against increasing the statutory retirement age to 70.

Hoffmann rejects the proposal for a mandatory extension of working life and instead advocates for voluntary prolongation of working. He emphasizes the need to consider the differing burdens of various professions, stating that it is easier for someone who worked predominantly in an office, like an engineer, to continue working voluntarily than for someone with a physically demanding job, such as on a construction site.

The CSU supports the concept of the “Aktivrente” (active pension), a model enshrined in the coalition agreement that enables those who wish to work longer on a voluntary basis. Hoffmann stressed that many people enjoy continuing to work and also benefit financially from it, making this voluntary option a much better approach than a mandatory retirement at 70.

This stance contrasts with Federal Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU), who argues for a higher statutory retirement age to meet the challenges of demographic change. However, the CSU prioritizes voluntariness and flexibility with regard to extending working life.

The rejection of the proposal does not necessarily mean a ban on discussions about extending the working life span in Germany. The future of this issue remains uncertain, given the rejection by the CSU.

[1] Bild am Sonntag [2] Deutsche Welle [3] Spiegel Online [4] Tagesspiegel [5] FAZ

Policy-and-legislation concerning the extension of the working life span in Germany is currently under debate, with the CSU in the German Bundestag rejecting a proposal for a mandatory increase, as communicated by CSU parliamentary group leader, Alexander Hoffmann, to "Bild am Sonntag." The CSU instead advocates for a voluntary prolongation of working, known as the "Aktivrente" model, emphasizing the need for flexibility and individual choice in this matter, as reported by various general-news outlets such as Deutsche Welle, Spiegel Online, Tagesspiegel, and FAZ.

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