German Politicians Urged to Consider Universal Citizen Pension

The article argues that Germany's pension system is fundamentally unfair and that proposed reforms by the grand coalition will not address its core problems. The author advocates for a universal citizen pension (Bürgerpension) for all, funded by a percentage of income from all workers, similar to the solidarity-based tax system. This would replace the current system that treats retirement savings as private insurance. The author calls on politicians Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil to show courage and consider this idea, especially as baby boomers become retirement boomers. The piece emphasizes that old-age provision is a communal task, akin to healthcare and education, and questions why the state applies solidarity in taxation but not in pensions. The author adds a 34th recommendation to the 33 from the pension commission: to start thinking about a uniform citizen pension for all.