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Spahn Backs Gradual Rise in Germany’s Retirement Age as Labor Market Readiness Is Questioned

He supports a stepwise increase after 2030, rejecting calls for an immediate hike to 70.

Overview

  • On ARD’s Maischberger, CDU/CSU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn said the statutory retirement age should continue climbing year by year and then month by month beyond the current plan.
  • The legally mandated increase to 67 remains in place on a staggered schedule that the Labor Ministry says will be completed in 2031.
  • Spahn distanced himself from Katherina Reiche’s proposal for an immediate shift to 70, calling that the wrong debate for now.
  • He framed further increases as a response to demographic pressures from rising life expectancy and the baby‑boomer cohort entering retirement.
  • Reporting highlights that many employers prefer younger hires and invest less in older staff, and critics warn the policy would hit physically demanding occupations hardest.