SPD outraged by resolution paper
Klingbeil: FDP “mistaken hugely”
April 21, 2024, 8:50 p.m
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A draft from the FDP executive committee, which, among other things, provides for the abolition of pensions at 63, is causing a lack of understanding among the coalition partner SPD. Party leader Lars Klingbeil clearly rejects the plan. The SPD MP Helge Lindh even sees the paper as a “declaration of withdrawal”.
SPD leader Lars Klingbeil has criticized the FDP’s proposals for a different social and economic policy as an attack on the real top performers in the country. “It’s right that we have to do something to stimulate the economy, secure jobs here in the country and create new ones. We in the government share responsibility for this. But if the FDP believes that the economy is doing better, if If craftsmen, nurses or educators are worse off, then they are making a huge mistake,” Klingbeil told the “Bild” newspaper.
“We will not allow politics to be made on the backs of those who work hard and keep the country running,” said the SPD leader. “Anyone who works for our country in hospitals, daycare centers or in construction for 45 years has the right to a pension without deductions. That remains.”
The SPD member of the Bundestag and social expert Helge Lindh told the “Bild”: “If the FDP were serious about this – that is, if it planned to implement it now – then the paper reads like a declaration of withdrawal from the coalition.” CSU boss Markus Söder had previously made similar statements. “This is nothing more than a divorce certificate for the traffic lights,” said the Bavarian Prime Minister to “Bild am Sonntag”.
FDP paper: Tough hand on objectors
The paper from the FDP executive committee stipulates, among other things, that those who refuse to work can have their citizens’ benefit immediately reduced by 30 percent and that pensions will be abolished at the age of 63. The draft is to be approved by the party executive committee on Monday and presented at the party conference at the weekend. “Anyone who does not fulfill their obligation to cooperate with citizens’ benefits and, for example, refuses reasonable work without a good reason, should expect an immediate reduction in benefits of 30 percent,” it says.
The FDP paper contains a total of twelve points with which the party wants to accelerate the economic turnaround in Germany – it also involves reducing bureaucracy, tax advantages for overtime worked and pension reform. In addition, the federal government should refrain from adopting new social benefits for at least three years. When calculating the citizen’s allowance, “the standard rate-related price development should be strictly taken into account”. Recipients would therefore have to expect a “zero round” for 2025.
According to the paper, the pension at 63 should also be abolished. According to the FDP’s wishes, there should be more work incentives for older people. Given the shortage of skilled workers, Germany “cannot afford” retirement at 63. “Anyone who still wants to work at 72 should be able to do so under attractive conditions,” it says.