Junge Union Calls for Delay of Pension Package Vote,Threatening Coalition Stability
BERLIN – A deepening rift within Germany’s governing coalition emerged November 18,2025,as the leader of the Junge Union (JU),the youth wing of the CDU/CSU,called for a postponement of the vote on the proposed pension package. The move throws into question the future of Chancellor’s coalition and reignites debate over the sustainability of Germany’s retirement system.
The dispute centers on concerns within the JU that the current pension reforms do not adequately address the long-term financial challenges facing the system and may disproportionately burden younger generations. The proposed package, a key initiative of the current Schwarz-Rot (black-Red) coalition, aims to stabilize pension levels and address demographic shifts, but faces opposition from within the CDU/CSU, potentially jeopardizing its passage through the Bundestag. This internal conflict adds further pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, already navigating a fragile coalition dynamic.
The JU’s demand for a delay comes amid broader disagreements between the CDU/CSU and the SPD regarding the specifics of the pension package. Sources indicate the JU is seeking further concessions to ensure the reforms are equitable across generations. The postponement request could trigger a wider crisis within the coalition, potentially leading to a minority government or even new elections.
The pension package debate is notably sensitive given Germany’s aging population and the increasing strain on its social security system. The current system, largely based on a pay-as-you-go model, faces growing financial pressures as the number of retirees increases relative to the working population. The proposed reforms seek to address this imbalance through a combination of measures, including raising the retirement age and increasing contribution rates.
