Kretschmer sees discussion about pension package as positive

Michael Kretschmer, Minister-President of Saxony, sees positive sides to the heated debate on the controversial pension package. "It was very important that we had this discussion," the CDU politician told the German Press Agency in Dresden. The debate had shown that it was possible in the "Union family" to hold a "very objective and orderly debate" on a difficult topic. He hopes for approval in the Bundestag vote on the pension package planned for Friday.

Kretschmer: Young people have done the country a service

The discussion has given us a new understanding of what is needed to ensure that pensions in Germany are secure, the Minister President continued. It was about economic performance. "The young people have done the country a great service by placing this issue so centrally at the heart of the debate." Opposition to the pension package comes primarily from the Young Group of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, which has been opposing the pension package for months due to what it sees as far too high follow-up costs.

Now all political parties must commit to issues such as competitiveness and economic growth, said Kretschmer. "Then we will not only secure pensions, but many other things that are important for the future of our country."

Vote to be held on Friday

Politics begins with looking at reality, said Kretschmer. In his view, it is important not to lose sight of the "big picture" when it comes to energy policy, regulation and climate protection goals.

After the discussion, it was ultimately a matter of reaching a joint agreement. "That is the prerequisite for giving a large country stability," emphasized Saxony's head of government.

The controversial pension package of the CDU/CSU and SPD is to be voted on in the Bundestag on Friday. In a test vote in the CDU/CSU parliamentary group on Tuesday, there were also no votes. The plan is to stabilize the pension level at 48% until 2031. This should ensure that pensions keep pace with wages despite the increasing number of baby boomers retiring. The Young Group rejects the idea that the level should be higher from 2032 than it would be without the law.