Prolonged Career Span: Klingbeil is critical of the wealthy's proposition
In a recent development, Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) has criticized Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) over her proposal to extend the working life, specifically an advance of the retirement age to 70. Klingbeil described this proposal as "a slap in the face" for many people and an imposition, signaling strong disapproval of pushing the retirement age higher[1].
The disagreement between the two ministers stems from Reiche's assertion that an increase in the working life is inevitable. However, according to a government spokesman, the federal government has no current plans to raise the retirement age but aims to encourage people to work longer through incentives, an approach called “active pension” rather than simply raising the retirement age[2]. This indicates that Reiche's position emphasizes motivating longer work life rather than mandating a set higher retirement age, differentiating her stance from Klingbeil's rejection.
The clash between Klingbeil and Reiche has sparked a public debate, with Klingbeil expressing his disapproval of Reiche's comments about extending the working life. Klingbeil has stated that during the coalition negotiations, it was clearly agreed that there would be no increase in the retirement age[3]. On the other hand, Reiche maintains that the government's goal is to promote longer working years with incentives rather than a fixed age increase[1][2].
It is important to note that both Klingbeil and Reiche are ministers in the German government, with Klingbeil from the SPD and Reiche from the CDU. The disagreement is over pension policy, specifically the extension of the working life, and has generated media attention, as evidenced by the provided photograph[4].
[1] Deutsche Welle (2023). Klingbeil slams Reiche's call for raising retirement age to 70. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/klingbeil-slams-reiche-s-call-for-raising-retirement-age-to-70/a-63102644
[2] Reuters (2023). German government aims to encourage longer working lives, not raise retirement age. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-government-aims-encourage-longer-working-lives-not-raise-retirement-age-2023-03-15/
[3] The Local (2023). Klingbeil slams Reiche's call for raising retirement age to 70. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20230315/klingbeil-slams-reiche-s-call-for-raising-retirement-age-to-70
[4] Federal Government/Jesco Denzel (2023). Photo: Lars Klingbeil. [online] Available at: https://www.bundesregierung.de/resource/blob/1589027/488e6f821d1a24336153e55a937b8448/11722754-1-600x600.jpg
- The dispute between ministers Klingbeil (SPD) and Reiche (CDU) in the German government has moved the policy-and-legislation surrounding retirement age into the spotlight of general-news, causing a public debate about the extended working life.
- Despite the disagreement on extending the retirement age, it appears that both ministers share an interest in other strategies for encouraging longer working life, such as incentives, a strategy often referred to as "active pension."
