FDP on pensions

The FDP wants everyone to decide for themselves when to retire. The condition is that the pension is high enough to live on without additional welfare benefits. Those who work longer would get a higher pension, those who stop earlier a lower one.

The FDP wants people to choose when they retire. This only works if the pension is enough to live on. People who retire later get more money. People who retire earlier get less money.

The platform cites Sweden as the model. The pension amount would depend on when a person leaves work: later means more, earlier means less. Partial pensions are to be available without much red tape. People who can no longer work for health reasons would continue to receive strong support.

The FDP wants to invest a small share of pension contributions in the capital market. An independent fund would manage the money. The party argues this offers better protection against an aging population and keeps contributions affordable.

The FDP wants a stock-based pension. A small part of pension contributions would go into a fund. A fund invests money, for example in stocks. The FDP says this keeps contributions affordable.

Sweden again serves as the model. The fund is to be managed independently. The platform expects insured people to benefit more from the returns of funded retirement savings. In the FDP's view, an individual stock-based pension would even make the pension level rise again.

The FDP wants to introduce a tax-advantaged investment account for private retirement savings that is also open to the self-employed. Company pensions should also be allowed to invest more in stocks. Pensions should not be taxed twice.

The FDP wants a new account for private retirement savings. The account holds investments such as stocks. The state would support saving there with tax benefits. Company pensions should also be allowed to hold more stocks.

Investments in funds and securities, and shifts within the account, would stay tax-free as long as returns are reinvested. Higher stock shares would be allowed in company pension plans. The pure defined-contribution model, in which the employer promises only contributions and no fixed pension amount, would be open to all firms, especially very small ones. The FDP wants to clarify legal questions about guarantees and liability in company pensions.