Political figure Brantner, head of the Green party, queries early pension eligibility at 63 and advocates for pension system reformation.
In the ongoing debate about pension reform in Germany, the Greens, led by chairwoman Franziska Brantner, have presented a clear stance.
Brantner has questioned the tax-free pension after 45 years of insurance, known as the "pension at 63". This benefit, originally intended for people in physically and mentally demanding professions, is under scrutiny due to its increasing use for purposes other than its original intent. However, Brantner does not support a higher retirement age and instead advocates for maintaining full pension benefits without early retirement privileges.
The Greens support the recent multibillion-euro pension reform aimed at securing pension levels at around 48% of average wages until 2031. They oppose proposals that would reduce benefits or encourage early tax-free retirement options. Brantner warns against neoliberal approaches that call for cutting social benefits, highlighting the increased poverty risks, particularly among women relying on statutory pensions.
In terms of alternatives, the Greens propose the establishment of a "citizen’s fund" (Bürgerfonds) as a complementary measure to enhance old-age provision beyond the statutory pension. This fund would aim to provide broader access to capital-based retirement savings for all citizens, supplementing the statutory system and private schemes, thereby diversifying retirement income sources and reducing social inequalities.
Brantner suggests that budget funds could be used to trigger investments in the "citizen's fund". The fund is open for private provision as a replacement for the Riester pension. In addition to those insured under the statutory pension scheme, civil servants, the self-employed, and members of parliament can contribute to the "citizen's fund". The "citizen's fund" is intended to be used for investments in the capital market or directly in companies.
Despite proposing the "citizen's fund", Brantner still rejects a higher retirement age. The "citizen's fund" is not mentioned as a replacement for the "pension at 63". Brantner stated that the use of the "pension at 63" for purposes other than its original intent is not the state's responsibility.
In their program for the federal election in February 2025, the Greens called for the retention of the "pension at 63". As of August 2025, no current information suggests a shift from this stance. The Greens prioritize strengthening statutory pensions, opposing early tax-free pension options like the "pension at 63," and propose innovative complementary systems such as the citizen's fund.
- Brantner, in the Greens' election program for February 2025, has maintained a strong commitment to retaining the "pension at 63," a benefit intended for individuals in physically and mentally demanding professions.
- In addition to advocating for the strengthening of statutory pensions, the Greens have also proposed the creation of a "citizen’s fund" as a complementary measure to expand old-age provision, focusing on investment opportunities in the capital market or directly in companies.
- Despite the rise in the use of the "pension at 63" for purposes other than its original intent, Brantner emphasized that the state should not be held responsible for such misuse and reiterated her stance against any proposals for a higher retirement age.
