Boomer-Soli was released from membership by Social Association
The Social Association VdK in Germany has issued a statement expressing opposition to the proposed "Boomer Tax" by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). The VdK, a prominent social welfare organisation, argues that the tax, which would see wealthier retirees contributing more to support poorer ones, is divisive and oversimplifies complex issues.
Verena Bentele, the VdK president, underscores the need for solidarity across age groups, rather than framing the issue as a generational conflict. She criticises the term "Boomer Tax" as misleading, suggesting that it unfairly targets a demographic group and fails to address the root causes of social financing challenges.
Bentele's primary concern is addressing social inequalities in old age. She points out that those who earn little and have patchy employment histories receive meagre pensions, and warns that people with low pensions often have a lower life expectancy than the wealthy.
While Bentele supports the idea of wealthier retirees contributing more to social welfare financing, she advocates for balanced, fair, and socially just measures. She suggests that the super-rich's fair contribution to the welfare state could help address the financing gap in the pension system.
The VdK president's statement does not directly address the DIW's proposed "Boomer Tax," but instead focuses on the need for better measures to address social inequalities in old age. The alternative proposal, which Bentele does not explicitly mention, suggests that the super-rich should contribute to financing social systems through taxes on wealth and inheritances.
Bentele emphasises the importance of solidarity and shared responsibility among all members of society — young and old, employed and retired — in financing and sustaining the welfare state. She argues for developing financing options for social welfare that do not exacerbate social divisions or generational antagonism but instead build consensus and cohesion.
In conclusion, the VdK opposes the "Boomer Tax" concept primarily because it is seen as a divisive and oversimplified approach. They advocate for socially just solutions that promote intergenerational solidarity and reject measures that target a specific age group with additional financial burdens in a way that fuels societal conflict. The VdK president, Verena Bentele, proposes an alternative to the "Boomer Tax," but does not detail specific proposals in her statement.
- The VdK president, Verena Bentele, propounds that the German government should consider vocational training programs as a long-term strategy to combat social inequalities and promote financial independence among older individuals, while simultaneously alleviating strain on the pension system.
- In light of the ongoing debate concerning the "Boomer Tax," the VdK advocates for a joint finance committee in the realm of politics and general-news, consisting of representatives from various sectors including business and community policy, to devise equitable and comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing the welfare state, ensuring a harmonious and cohesive society for all generations.
