Pension reform proposal: Retirement age may rise to 70 for

Berlin, 21 May 2026 A German pension commission is proposing to gradually increase the retirement age to 70 by the 2060s for citizens born after 1990, according to reports that have been partially disputed by commission members. The proposal would see the retirement age increase from the current 67 to 68 in the early 2040s, 69 in the early 2050s, and finally 70 by the early 2060s. These changes would primarily affect Germans born after 1990. Simultaneously, the pension level would decrease from the current 48% of average earnings to 46% after 2031. This reduction would be implemented gradually over the proposed timeline. The Bild newspaper first reported these recommendations from the government-appointed pension commission, but several commission members have since denied that any final decisions have been made. "Die Kommission wird ihre Arbeit erst Ende Juni abschließen, sodass zurzeit noch keine Empfehlungen fertig entschieden sind", sagte Constanze Janda, Co-Vorsitzende der Kommission, dem Tagesspiegel. ## Proposed Timeline SPD politicians have been particularly critical of the reported proposals, having previously opposed any increase beyond age 67. Annika Klose, an SPD member of the commission, stated: "Ich kann Ihnen aber sagen, dass vieles noch nicht entschieden ist und wir noch vier bis fünf Wochen brauchen." The debate comes as Germany faces significant demographic challenges. Currently, there are only two contributors for each pensioner, compared to six in the early 1960s. CDU politicians have shown more openness to pension age increases. Kanzleramtschef Thorsten Frei (CDU) called it "sehr vernünftig" that longer life expectancy should affect working life duration. ## Political Reactions Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) has previously suggested raising the retirement age to 70 and now advocates stopping early retirement programs, citing international competitiveness concerns. The Juso youth organization has proposed alternative solutions focusing on actual working life duration and physical strain. Chairman Philipp Türmer emphasized the need for solutions oriented toward "der tatsächlichen Lebensarbeitszeit und der körperlichen Belastung". The commission is scheduled to present its final recommendations on June 29. Until then, all parties emphasize that no final decisions have been made about potential pension reforms. ## Demographic Challenges The debate also touches on whether civil servants should contribute to the statutory pension system, which currently remains controversial among commission members. Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz has expressed hope for coalition agreement on pension reform principles by summer, though actual legislation isn't expected before autumn. Meanwhile, Dennis Radtke of the Christian Democratic Employees' Association warned that a blanket increase to 70 would be "der falsche Schritt", noting many workers already struggle to continue until 67. ## Alternative Proposals The pension commission operates independently according to government statements, working "frei von Weisungen" and maintaining strict confidentiality until its final report.

Proposed Pension Reform Could Raise Retirement Age to 70 for Those Born After 1990

Proposed Timeline

Political Reactions

Demographic Challenges

Alternative Proposals