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[POLITICS] · Germany · 5 sources

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Germany adopts mixed pension model with mandatory 2% capitalisation

Germany's coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and comprising the CDU/CSU and SPD, has agreed on a pension reform that adds a compulsory capitalisation element to the existing pay‑as‑you‑go system. Starting in 2026, employees and employers will each contribute an additional 1% of gross wages, totalling 2%, which will be deposited in individual accounts managed centrally and publicly rather than being privatized. The funds are to be invested in the financial markets to build a supplementary pension reserve.

The reform also introduces tighter rules on retirement: after 2031 the statutory retirement age will be gradually linked to life expectancy, the option to retire early without penalties after 45 contribution years will be removed, and the minimum age for reduced early retirement will rise from 63 to 64. The government aims to have the legislation in place by the end of 2026, seeking to make future pensions more sustainable while preserving current pension rights.

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CDU/CSU · Friedrich Merz · German pension system · Germany · SPD

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