German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has rejected calls for later retirement in a video message for Labour Day published on Wednesday.
“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.
Employees in Germany worked more hours in 2023 than ever before: "That's why it annoys me when some people talk disparagingly about 'Germany's theme park' – or when people call for raising the retirement age," he said.
Scholz also warned of creating uncertainty due to new debates about the retirement age. “Younger people who are just starting out in their working lives also have the right to know how long they have to work,” he said.
Scholz saw the introduction of the minimum wage nine years ago – and its increase to twelve euros per hour by his government – as a "great success". “The proportion of poorly paid jobs in our country has shrunk as a result,” he said.
However, he said there were still too many people "who work hard for too little money," highlighting the additional support available through housing benefit, child allowance and the reduction of social security contributions for low earners.
And he said that the country wouldn't "run out of work" in the coming years.
"On the contrary! We need more workers," he said, explaining that that's why his government is ensuring "that those who fled to us from Russia's war in Ukraine get work more quickly."
Work means “more than making money,” said Scholz. "Work also means: belonging, having colleagues, experiencing recognition and appreciation."
