German Voters Demand Pension Overhaul, Doubt Government Delivery

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Sunday, December 28th, 2025

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rki.news
A strong majority of Germans believe the country’s statutory pension system urgently needs a fundamental overhaul, according to a public opinion poll released this week, highlighting growing public concern over the sustainability of retirement financing.
The survey found that more than four in five respondents support comprehensive pension reform, reflecting anxiety over the system’s long-term viability as Germany’s population ages. With the number of retirees increasing and the pool of contributors shrinking, pressure on public finances has intensified, fueling demands for structural change.
Despite widespread agreement on the need for reform, public confidence in the current political leadership remains low. Only a small minority of respondents said they trust a governing coalition led by the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democratic Party to successfully deliver major pension reforms. Most expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to act decisively.
The poll also revealed strong support for specific reform measures. A majority favored linking retirement eligibility to the number of contribution years rather than maintaining a fixed retirement age. Even broader backing was recorded for expanding the contributor base, with most respondents supporting mandatory pension contributions from civil servants, self-employed workers, and lawmakers.
The nationwide online survey was conducted in mid-December among approximately 5,000 adults, offering a snapshot of growing public pressure for decisive pension reform in Europe’s largest economy.