Berlin (dts) – Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has once again clearly rejected an increase in the retirement age.
Such demands annoyed him, said Scholz in a video speech on Labor Day on May 1st. According to him, the same applies when people talk about “Germany’s theme park”. Never before have Germany's employees worked as many hours as they did last year.
“For me it is a question of decency not to deny those who have worked for a long time the retirement they deserve,” said Scholz. Over 46 million women and men in Germany are currently employed - more than ever before. There are also over 20 million pensioners who have worked hard for many years. “All of them, their performance and their hard work deserve respect,” said the Chancellor.
Scholz described the realization that the work will not run out in the coming years as an “important message” for May 1st. “On the contrary, we need more workers.” That’s why the federal government wants Ukraine refugees to “get into work more quickly.” Work is “much more than making money”, it is also about “belonging”, recognition and appreciation, said the Chancellor.
Recently, in view of the shortage of skilled workers, there have been increasing calls for a higher retirement age. Some experts believe that longer working lives are inevitable simply because of increasing life expectancy.
