On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Bundestag approved a controversial pension reform with a clear majority, marking a political victory for Chancellor Friedrich Merz after internal divisions in his party. Some young conservatives had opposed the plan, calling it costly and unfair to future generations.
Out of 598 votes, the bill secured 319 in favor, ensuring the absolute majority of the governing coalition of conservatives and Social Democrats after weeks of uncertainty.
The reform guarantees that pension levels will remain fixed at 48% of Germany’s average income until 2031.
Following the vote, SPD Labor Minister Bärbel Bas praised the decision, describing it as “an important signal that the majority is present even in complex social issues.”
Since Wednesday, the bill’s adoption had seemed certain after the Left Party unexpectedly announced it would abstain. Left Party MP Heidi Reichinnek stated in parliament: “We are not offering deals or concessions. We are simply preventing further cuts to pension levels.”
Sources - Agencies
