Reduced pension benefits are not limited to ordinary citizens.

The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is currently facing increasing resistance from citizens due to proposed reforms in the social sector. These reforms, which have been discussed for several weeks, are seen as potentially detrimental to the most vulnerable members of society.

One of the key issues at hand is the standard rate of unemployment benefits, which will not be increased next year despite regulations requiring social benefits to be adjusted for inflation. This decision has sparked criticism from experts and social associations, who demand a guarantee of the minimum existence for all.

In addition to the unemployment benefits, the proposed reforms also include drastic cuts to pensions. The "Rentenkommission" or pension commission, set up by the German coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD to address pension reform issues starting in 2026, is tasked with developing reform plans to secure the social systems, especially pensions. CDU Minister of Economics Katharina Reiche has proposed increasing the retirement age to 70.

Chancellor Merz advocates for more personal responsibility in the context of the proposed reforms. He aims to save approximately 10% of the social budget, equating to five billion euros. One of the proposed solutions is the "active pension," allowing pensioners to earn up to 2,000 euros per month tax-free while working voluntarily longer.

However, critics argue that the coalition's plans for social reforms are misguided and disproportionately impact the socially disadvantaged. They contend that the wealthy are not being taxed more under the proposed reforms, and that the tougher sanctions for not attending appointments or rejecting job offers for recipients of unemployment benefits may exacerbate existing inequalities.

Federal Minister of Labor Barbara Bas (SPD) presented plans for these changes in unemployment benefits. Under the proposed changes, recipients will face tougher sanctions for not attending appointments or rejecting job offers. The basic security for unemployment benefits remains at 563 euros per month, as it has not been increased since 2024.

The government's plans also include no increase in pensions, despite previous inflation adjustments in 2023 and 2024. This decision has added to the criticism of the proposed reforms, with experts and social associations expressing concern about the impact on the most vulnerable members of society.

The resistance to the proposed reforms is not limited to the social sector, as the German government faces increasing criticism from citizens. It remains to be seen how these reforms will be implemented and how they will affect the lives of those living in Germany.