In Germany, the number of employed pensioners aged over 67 has significantly increased, reaching 1.1 million in 2023, which is 51% more than the previous year and almost four times more than 20 years ago. Pensioners make up a quarter of Germany’s population. The rise in working pensioners has sparked political debates, with some, like Karsten Lineman from CDU, advocating incentives for pensioners to work, while critics like Sahra Wagenknecht emphasize that many pensioners work out of financial necessity due to low pensions. The average monthly net pension in Germany is about 1,200 euros, often insufficient for a decent living, especially in larger cities with high housing costs. The most vulnerable are pensioners who did not have regular contributions, such as single mothers or self-employed individuals. The topic of employing older people and the sustainability of the pension system remains a prominent issue in German public and political discourse.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning articles emphasize the financial struggles of pensioners who are forced to continue working due to inadequate pension benefits. They criticize political figures who blame pensioners for being ‘lazy’ and highlight the need for pension system reforms, such as adopting models from other countries like Austria to ensure better social security for the elderly.
Center: Center-leaning sources present a balanced view, acknowledging the demographic changes leading to more pensioners working and the economic necessity behind it. They report on political debates about increasing pensioners’ participation in the workforce and government plans to improve pension guarantees and social benefits, without strong ideological bias.
Right: Right-leaning narratives focus on the economic benefits of having pensioners remain active in the labor market, supporting policies that encourage longer working lives and tax incentives for working pensioners. They may emphasize the importance of maintaining economic productivity and reducing the burden on the pension system.
