Merz: "We will have to achieve more in the future in our country" - Merz Outlines Social, Pension Reforms; Challenges EU's Combustion Engine Ban
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has outlined his plans for social and pension policy reform, including a proposal to incentivize longer working lives and a rejection of the EU's internal combustion engine ban. He aims to discuss these issues in the coalition on Thursday.
Merz has proposed the 'active pension', encouraging individuals to work longer voluntarily. He also suggested evaluating pension contributions based on the number of years worked, rather than retirement age. The Chancellor expressed concern about Germany's economic weakness and its impact on the automotive industry, particularly regarding the EU's planned ban on new internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035. He argued that banning a technology would halt research and development on it immediately, which he believes is a mistake. Instead, Merz advocates for 'technological openness'.
Merz also plans to discuss managing the internal combustion engine ban issue in the coalition on Thursday. He has stated that citizens will need to contribute more out of their own pocket for old-age provision, health insurance, and care in the future. To reduce labor costs in Germany, Merz called for more efficiency in healthcare and resource handling. He acknowledged the difficulty of cooperation with the SPD in the coalition.
Merz's proposed reforms aim to increase personal responsibility in social and pension policies. He seeks to discuss these changes, including the internal combustion engine ban issue, with the coalition on Thursday. The Chancellor's plans, if implemented, could significantly impact citizens' future financial responsibilities and the automotive industry's trajectory.
