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Privatization of Public Pensions in Germany: Who Gains and How Much? / Privatisierung der deutschen Rentenversicherung: Wer gewinnt und wieviel?

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  • Fehr Hans

    (Universität Tübingen, Wirtschaftswissenschaftliches Seminar, Mohlstr. 36, D-72074 Tübingen)

Abstract

This paper examines the distributional and efficiency effects of pension privatization in Germany. Starting from a benchmark that reflects the current unfunded pension system, a fully funded system is introduced. The accrued benefits of the old system are financed by alternative tax combinations as well as deficit increases. The quantitative analysis is based on an Auerbach-Kotlikoff type simulation model that distinguishes between five lifetime income classes within each age cohort. The simulations reveal a clear trade-off between the efficiency and equity aspects of alternative financing schemes. While consumption taxes are the most efficient financing instrument, they also undermine intra- and intergenerational equity. Phasing-out the unfunded system on the other hand not only dampens the income redistribution across and within generations, but also reduces the efficiency gains dramatically.

Suggested Citation

  • Fehr Hans, 1999. "Privatization of Public Pensions in Germany: Who Gains and How Much? / Privatisierung der deutschen Rentenversicherung: Wer gewinnt und wieviel?," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 218(5-6), pages 674-694, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:jns:jbstat:v:218:y:1999:i:5-6:p:674-694
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Feldstein, Martin, 1996. "The Missing Piece in Policy Analysis: Social Security Reform," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 86(2), pages 1-14, May.
    2. Bernd Raffelhüschen, 1993. "Funding social security through Pareto-optimal conversion policies," Journal of Economics, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 105-131, December.
    3. Axel Borsch-Supan & Reinhold Schnabel, 1999. "Social Security and Retirement in Germany," NBER Chapters, in: Social Security and Retirement around the World, pages 135-180, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Homburg, Stefan, 1997. "Kapitaldeckung als praktikable Leitidee," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, pages 61-85.
    5. Homburg, Stefan & Richter, Wolfram, 1990. "Eine effizienzorientierte Reform der GRV," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, pages 183-191.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hirte Georg, 2002. "Welfare and Macroeconomic Effects of the German Pension Acts of 1992 and 1999: A Dynamic CGE Study," German Economic Review, De Gruyter, vol. 3(1), pages 81-106, February.
    2. Grabka, Markus M. & Andersen, Hanfried H. & Henke, Klaus-Dirk & Borchardt, Katja, 2003. "Kapitaldeckung für die GKV? Zur Berechnung der finanziellen Auswirkungen eines Umstiegs vom Umlage- auf das Kapitaldeckungssystem," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 123, pages 265-283.
    3. Georg Hirte, 2003. "The Political Feasibility of Privatizing Old‐Age Insurance," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 50(4), pages 507-525, September.

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