DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics Young Vs Old? How a fight over pensions is shaking the German government
Nov 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Steven Beardsley, a business and economics expert, delves into the current pension reform rebellion among young conservative MPs in Germany. He highlights the significant economic implications of their defiance, which threatens coalition stability. The podcast explores demographic shifts affecting pensions, the risk of increased budget spending, and growing tensions within the CDU. Beardsley also discusses how a substantial investment package could stimulate future growth while addressing intergenerational fairness amidst looming political battles.
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Youth Rebellion Threatens Coalition
- Eighteen young CDU MPs blocked the pension bill, threatening the coalition majority of just 12 votes.
- The rebellion frames the reform as unaffordable and a betrayal of younger voters by their own party.
Pension Spending Versus Investment
- Economists warn pension spending is consumption with a short economic tail compared with infrastructure investment.
- Using debt for pensions risks undermining long-term growth and future generations' prospects.
Coalition Treaty Is Political Anchor
- The SPD insists the coalition treaty guarantees an average pension floor of 48% until 2031.
- SPD uses the agreement to resist renegotiation and blame the conservatives for internal strife.