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Die Vollendung eines Paradigmenwechsels: vom Lebensstandard zur Lebensleistungsrente

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  • Ingo Schäfer

Abstract

The shift of paradigm in the German statutory pensions system (“gesetzliche Rentenversicherung”) from pension system of defined benefits to one with defined contribution begun at the beginning of the millennium is again coming to a watershed. Falling average payments of the German statutory pensions system and private pension schemes falling short of expectations delegitimise the German “three-pillar-approach”. The intended “solidarische Lebensleistungsrente” (to understand as a “solidary pension for lifelong efforts”) shall solve this crisis of legitimation while keeping the paradigm of stable contribution rates (defined contribution). At last securing one’s living standard through the German statutory pensions system is abandoned in favour of basic pension focused on fight against poverty. Orientating the statutory pension system on minimum subsistence level instead of one’s living standard is almost identical to the “Hartz IV” legislation. Force a further rise in the need to make provisions for old age and accelerating (partial) privatizing of the old age system. The “solidarische Lebensleistungsrente” is to be understood as stabilizing the reform and even accelerating. At last there may be less instead of more solidarity focused securing one’s social status. Der zu Beginn des Jahrtausends begonnene Paradigmenwechsel in der gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung steht erneut an einem Scheidepunkt. Sinkende Zahlbeträge aus der gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung und eine hinter den Erwartungen zurückbleibende private Vorsorge delegitimieren das „Drei- Säulen-Modell“. Die geplante „solidarische Lebensleistungsrente“ soll diese Legitimationskrise auflösen. Dabei bricht sie explizit nicht mit dem Paradigma der Beitragssatzstabilität. Sie forciert letztlich den Umbau der lebensstandardsichernden gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung zu einer auf „Armutsbekämpfung“ ausgerichteten Grundrente. Die Orientierung am Existenzminimum statt dem Lebensstandard weist erhebliche Parallelitäten zu den Hartz-IV-Gesetzen auf. Als Folge wird der Bedarf an privater Vorsorge weiter steigen und das Alterssicherungssystem noch stärker (teil-)privatisiert werden müssen. Die „solidarische Lebensleistungsrente“ muss als reformstabilisierend, ja sogar beschleunigend, verstanden werden. Am Ende stünde ein System mit weniger statt mehr auf Statussicherung ausgerichtetem Solidarausgleich.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingo Schäfer, 2014. "Die Vollendung eines Paradigmenwechsels: vom Lebensstandard zur Lebensleistungsrente," Vierteljahrshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung / Quarterly Journal of Economic Research, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research, vol. 83(2), pages 21-32.
  • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwvjh:83-2-2
    DOI: 10.3790/vjh.83.2.21
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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