15 years of pension reform in Germany: Old successes and new threats

Abstract

The article surveys the state of the German pension system after a sequence of reforms aimed at achieving long-term sustainability. We argue that the latest reforms have moved pension provision in Germany in principle from a defined benefit to a defined contribution scheme, and that this move has stabilised pension finances to a large extent. We furthermore argue that the real economy consequences of the global financial crisis create threats to the core success factors of the reforms - cutting pension levels and raising mandatory pension age. Finally the article discusses further possible reform measures, including the option to install a fourth pillar, providing income in retirement through working after pension age. © 2009 The International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics.