Compulsory year for pensioners? Debate about justice and responsibility!

Compulsory year for pensioners? Debate about justice and responsibility!

What moves people's minds in the country of pensioners? In Germany, a proposal for a “social year” for pensioners is currently being hotly debated. In an interview, the German sociologist Klaus Hurrelmann expressed the idea that the older generation should fulfill its “debt to bring” to society. For example, a compulsory year “at the end of working life” could help distribute the burden more fairly between generations. Such a step could also strengthen the feeling of solidarity, as Hurrelmann emphasizes, especially since younger people are already being challenged by rising debts and an overburdened pension system. [FR] reports on the reactions to this proposal and states that 64 percent of the population in a survey are already in favor of such a year.

The controversial discussion is animated by various voices from the public. Editor Claudia Marsal says in her column that her own mother should no longer work at 78 years old. Reader reactions to Hurrelmann's suggestion are predominantly critical. Bert Funke, himself a pensioner with 37 years of professional life, describes that he now receives less pension than citizen's benefit. He suggests introducing compulsory years for citizens' benefit recipients instead of pensioners. Another critic, Werner Guth, criticizes the inequality in society, in which pensioners are forced to work while billionaires are not asked to pay.

The voices of pensioners

Martina Ernst sums up the feeling of many seniors: They have agreed that seniors have worked all their lives and should not work for low wages. Seniors often felt ignored during diversity discussions. Ulrich Bernhard also asks why pensioners who have completed military or social service should be called upon to do compulsory service again. Ute Kaufmann and Gerd Brennführer point out the grievances in politics and the economy that have contributed to the current situation. Kaufmann emphasizes that pensioners should enjoy their well-deserved retirement and not be held responsible for mistakes in politics.

In connection with these discussions, we must not ignore current developments in pension policy. Parliament has currently passed a pension package that sets the pension level at 48 percent and finances measures with tax revenue. This could counteract the risk of poverty in old age and also equalize the mother's pension. According to the social association VdK, demographic developments show that the number of pensioners will increase exponentially by 2050, while the number of contributors will decrease. This development is causing statutory pension insurance and trust in this system to waver. A stable pension system is important not only for older people, but also for the younger generation who have to fear for their future.

In conclusion, it can be said that the discussion about a compulsory social year for pensioners touches on a complex debate about social justice, social responsibility and generational issues. While the idea seems well-intentioned, there are many challenges and concerns about such a regulation. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether social pressure will finally open the ears of politicians to the concerns of seniors.