“Otherwise, the system will collapse”Günther criticized Bas’ actions in the pension dispute
Schleswig-Holstein Prime Minister Daniel Günther was satisfied with the coalition committee’s decision. But he did not like the fact that the debate on pensions among members of the main coalition was postponed again.
Schleswig-Holstein Prime Minister Daniel Günther defended the coalition committee’s decision against criticism from environmental activists. “I believe that right now we are in a situation where our economy really needs a boost, and we also need help. And despite all this, we must not lose sight of the climate goals,” said CDU politician Günther on ntv’s “Frühstart” program. Environmental groups can also “see the decisions in this package heading in the right direction.”
The head of government praised the power generation strategy agreed by the coalition partners with the aim of climate protection. “I think this is a good thing that has been discovered here, that in power generation strategies, especially for gas power plants, they have to be ‘hydrogen ready’ and at the same time support a hydrogen economy.” Schleswig-Holstein has related companies. Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently visited the company with GP Joule. “So of course I think it’s great that now, ten days later, there’s a focus here as well.”
Günther complained that his pension was set until 2031
However, Günther regretted that the coalition committee was delaying a decision regarding pension reform. “I think we have to see now whether we can reach an agreement on this,” Günther said. There are big challenges for the younger generation. “We’re talking about military service that needs to be done, about debts that are piling up right now. And I think continuing to postpone decisions like that is not the right way.” Günther also positioned himself on the pension debate within the Union: “The question that nothing will change before 2031 is a very difficult decision.”
Federal Labor Minister Bärbel Bas wants to support pension levels in Germany by billions. According to the coalition agreement – at the insistence of the SPD – they must be insured at 48 percent of average income until 2031. Some members of the CDU and CSU are unwilling to support this. They warn of billions of dollars in additional costs and have called for major reforms in both retirement ages and pension amounts. 32 business associations also called on the European Union in a joint letter to halt the pension package.
Günther called for “comprehensive reform” in the pension system during this legislative period. “This must not be delayed any further, otherwise the entire system will collapse and harm the younger generation.” However, this is also in line with the approach agreed by the European Union and the SPD. At the start of the year, a specially appointed commission is expected to present reform proposals. The associations criticized the fact that the retirement package of SPD leader Bas would substantially limit the scope of reforms.
Opposed a referendum on conscription
Günther rejected his party colleague and Saxon Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer’s demand that a referendum on military service be necessary. “I’m not a supporter of referendums at all. I think we’ve elected politicians. And I think people’s expectations are more about, come on, do something, move our country forward.” He welcomed the new military service agreement, Günther continued. “I think this is an important sign that clarity has now been created here.” At the same time, he wants men and women to have an obligation to serve.
The compromise solution of the black-red coalition provides for mandatory military training for all young people born in 2008 and clear growth goals for the next few years. The aim of this new military service was to recruit enough new members for the Bundeswehr on a voluntary basis. There should be no obligation under the new law. However, if the desired troop strength is not achieved, then “necessary military service” must be implemented. The Bundestag will have to vote again on this matter.
