Outrage over top officials: 780,000 euros and the outcry of the citizens!

Outrage over top officials: 780,000 euros and the outcry of the citizens!

In a recent article, a reader sharply criticized the reporting on the retirement salaries of top civil servants. Amounts of up to 780,000 euros were specifically reported, which not only caused a stir but also raised the question of social justice. The reader sees the reporting as a possible breeding ground for social envy, which arises from the unequal presentation of income and pensions. She calls for a fair pension policy and warns that such journalistic approaches could endanger democracy by creating a polarizing atmosphere. In addition, a constructive and peaceful type of reporting is required that does not only present one-sided perspectives to the audience, but also takes all relevant aspects into account. NWZ Online reports that it is the responsibility of journalism to avoid such polarization.

The discussion about civil servant salaries has flared up again and again in recent years, particularly because many Germans find their own pensions to be inadequate. According to a recent article on FR Retired civil servants generally receive higher salaries than normal pensioners. This is because the pension system for civil servants and employees is fundamentally different. Civil servants who work as lawyers, professional soldiers or clergy, for example, have the privilege of receiving a pension based on their income and length of service. Responsibility for the pension provision of public servants lies with the state and is based on the alimony principle - a legal basis that is anchored in the Basic Law.

How does civil service provision work?

Civil servants are provided for via a bifunctional system in which both standard security and additional benefits are guaranteed. An important aspect here is that pensions are calculated from the last two years of service before retirement. Higher pension rates of up to 71.75 percent after 40 years of service are possible. On average, the pension rate achieved is around 68 percent, while the pensions of employees depend on the contributions they have paid and are often low. This has led to an increasing number of pension recipients in recent years, which has already reached 1.8 million in 2022 BPB reported.

The difference between civil servants and other employees is not only clear in their salaries. While civil servants do not pay their own pension contributions, employees have to pay into the state pension insurance. In addition, civil servants receive subsidies for health and nursing care, but have to take out private insurance, which reduces their net pensions. For many, one thing is clear: inequality in retirement benefits is an issue that should be urgently addressed.

In view of the current developments in civil servant pensions, necessary reforms are being discussed in order to achieve a fairer distribution and financing of pension entitlements. Possible reforms could result in cuts in civil servants' pensions, such as lowering the maximum pension rate or increasing the age limits. The question here is how the system (with rising costs due to the growing number of pension recipients) can be made sustainable without endangering the principles of social security.