Expert in elderly care services reveals confidential election plans.

Michael Heuser, a DIVA expert, has expressed concern about the funding of Germany's pension systems. Heuser believes that the pensions of the baby boomer generation cannot be financed through equity-based provision, a sentiment supported by regular DIVA surveys.

Heuser advocates for a gradual reduction in pension levels as part of the proposed change. He questions the effectiveness of state-managed solutions, expressing doubt about the state as a better capital investor. He emphasises that the majority of people are saving for themselves due to poor prospects with statutory pensions.

The Union (CDU/CSU) has proposed a series of measures to address this issue. They aim to keep the retirement age at 67 without raising it, preserve the retirement at 63 without deductions after 45 years of work, introduce a tax-free "active pension" allowing 2,000€ of income after retirement age, and start a mandatory investment scheme from age 6 in ETF funds for retirement savings. These measures also include simplifying pension taxation.

On the other hand, the SPD supports a "Rentenpaket 2025" that stabilizes the pension level at 48% until 2031, fully recognizes child-rearing periods for pension credits (especially benefiting mothers), but involves rising pension contribution rates projected to increase substantially from 2027 onwards.

The Greens, SPD, and Left propose mandatory citizen's insurances, relying heavily on the pay-as-you-go system, with no increase in retirement age or contributions. The FDP's, Greens, and Linke's specific pension proposals are not detailed in the search results.

A critical view from the DVG association suggests reforms inspired by Austria, advocating a mandatory pension insurance for all workers, a poverty-proof minimum pension, solidarity-based financing, strengthened company and private pensions, protection of insured persons’ rights, and simplification of the pension system.

The chances of all Union proposals being fully implemented depend on election outcomes. However, the SPD-backed government’s legislation (Rentenpaket 2025) is already in place, showing feasibility for pension level stabilization and child-rearing recognition measures; however, concerns about rising contributions and financing remain.

Heuser suggests reintroducing the sustainability factor in the pension adjustment formula as a step towards change. He also emphasises that the parties should not underestimate people's willingness to save for themselves. The Riester pension, with a poor image, is not being scrapped by any of the parties, but is used as an opportunity to promote other solutions.

In conclusion, Germany's pension reform proposals reflect a diverse range of approaches, with a common goal of securing the future of the baby boomer generation's pensions. However, the feasibility and sustainability of these proposals remain a topic of debate and concern.