Kevin Kühnert: 800 Euro Pension for four years in Parliament 'too much' - Germany's civil service pensions spark outrage over 'unjust' payouts
Germany's civil service service system has come under fire from politicians and economists alike. Recent criticism highlights generous payouts, with some retired officials receiving up to 71.75% of their former salaries. The debate intensified after former SPD Secretary-General Kevin Kühnert revealed his own future pension—despite serving less than four years in parliament.
Kühnert, who left parliament before completing a full term, will still collect around €800 monthly upon retirement. He has labelled the current system 'completely unjust' and called for civil servants to be moved into the general pension scheme. His remarks follow broader scrutiny of a system where pensions can reach over 70% of final salaries—though this maximum applies only after 40 years of full-time service, a threshold rarely met due to late appointments or part-time work.
Economists have joined the push for reform. Martin Werding, one of the government's economic advisers, proposed cutting the top pension rate and reducing civil service roles. Bernd Raffelhüschen, a pension expert, echoed these calls, urging fewer civil service positions and slower pension growth. Both argue that the current system places an unsustainable burden on public finances.
The issue spans federal, state, and local levels, with pensions varying by region. Stronger economies, such as Bavaria, tend to offer higher average payouts. However, no specific data exists on how many civil servants currently receive the full 71.75% rate.
The debate over civil service pensions now centres on fairness and cost. Proposals include lowering the maximum payout rate, shrinking the civil service, and integrating officials into the standard pension system. Kühnert's case has drawn particular attention, as even short-term politicians stand to benefit from a scheme critics call overly generous.
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