Scholz doesn't view civil servants as part of the pension insurance system.
Germany's government is currently weighing options for the 2025 budget, with a focus on finalizing it by early July. As per Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the process is already underway, suggesting a possible agreement is just around the corner.
During a gathering at the "RND vor Ort" event organized by Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Scholz addressed potential financial adjustments and their impact on pensioners. "The budget will consume our attention," the SPD politician remarked. "The timeline has been apparent since January and February, and I'm certain we'll achieve it by the beginning of July."
Scholz emphasized the importance of maintaining societal harmony while discussing the possibility of raising the retirement age. He characterized the idea as "absurd" and ineffective, stating: "Reducing pensions wouldn't balance a budget; it wouldn't offer any assistance." Scholz also vowed to avoid victimizing retirees and those who depend on a secure welfare system in Germany. He refrained from suggesting alternative areas for cost reductions, as he believes such deliberations are best conducted privately.
The Chancellor took a strong stance against incorporating civil servants into the pension insurance system. "Including them would necessitate a lengthy transition period, as everyone has distinct entitlements," Scholz noted. "From a financial perspective, this could prove disastrous over several decades." He then expressed skepticism over the prospect of financial gain resulting from this change. Scholz clarified that any potential modification could be explored. However, certain core principles of the civil service can only be changed if such provisions are removed from the nation's constitution, a process he described as challenging. He acknowledged that the civil service is an indispensable part of German tradition and a primary contributor to the country's low corruption levels.
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Olaf Scholz expressed concerns about financially burdening retirees by reducing their pensions, as he believes it would not effectively balance the budget. Despite discussing the possibility of exploring modifications to the pension system, Scholz firmly opposed the idea of incorporating civil servants into the pension insurance system, citing potential financial disadvantages and the importance of preserving civil service principles enshrined in the German constitution.
Source: www.ntv.de
