Overview
- In an interview with Handelsblatt, the Baden‑Württemberg CDU lead candidate said Germany will ultimately require longer working lives.
- He proposed making overtime fully exempt from taxes and social contributions to incentivize additional work.
- He urged extending the so‑called Aktivrente to civil servants and the self‑employed to reward working beyond standard retirement ages.
- Hagel cited international comparisons, noting Germans work about 200 fewer hours per year than people in Switzerland.
- The remarks, reported on Feb. 5, introduce a policy push within the CDU on pensions, with no legislative changes announced.