Thuringian SPD Leader Advocates Higher Basic Pension for Eastern German Baby Boomers

The leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Thuringia has called for reforms to Germany's basic pension system, emphasizing the need to address the ongoing disparity in retirement income between eastern and western federal states. The proposal centers on increasing the basic pension supplement to support those affected by lower wages in eastern Germany since reunification.

According to Thuringia's interior minister and SPD state chairman, many individuals who entered the workforce in the region following German reunification experienced disrupted employment histories and often earned significantly less than their western counterparts. This, he argues, is a direct consequence of the economic transformations during the post-reunification era, which led to widespread job interruptions and limited wage progression. Many of these workers also lack access to occupational pensions, leaving them at greater risk of poverty in old age.

Germany's basic pension, introduced in 2021, aims to reduce the incidence of old-age poverty by providing a supplement to those who have contributed to the pension system for at least 33 years. Eligibility also extends to periods spent raising children, caregiving, or receiving certain social benefits. The full supplement becomes available after 35 years of qualifying contributions. However, the average pension income in Thuringia remains the lowest among all German states, with recipients typically drawing an average of 1,491 euros per month. The average basic pension supplement in Thuringia is approximately 72 euros, bringing the total average basic pension (including the supplement) to around 1,100 euros.

The SPD leader contends that these figures highlight an ongoing fairness issue between eastern and western regions of Germany. He maintains that a modest increase in the basic pension supplement is financially feasible and would represent a significant step toward greater equity for long-serving workers, particularly the so-called "baby boomer" generation from the east, who are now reaching retirement age.

The discussion around pension reform comes amid broader debates on generational and regional equity within Germany's social security system. Policymakers have recently emphasized the need to address these disparities, as significant numbers of eastern German workers are projected to rely on the basic pension in retirement due to their historically lower earnings. The SPD in Thuringia argues that enhancing the basic pension for this group is not only a matter of intergenerational justice but also crucial for bridging the persistent gap between east and west in retirement outcomes.

While the proposal has generated discussion, critics emphasize the financial pressures on the national pension fund and urge careful consideration of funding sources for any increases. Nonetheless, the call for reform underscores the importance of continued dialogue on how best to achieve fairness and dignity for all retirees across Germany.