Prof. Dr. Kronenberg emphasized that the chastened atmosphere at the Deutschlandtag was primarily due to concerns that the draft could lead to considerable financial burdens if its validity were to be extended beyond 2031. When asked whether party leader Friedrich Merz had been able to reassure the Junge Union, Kronenberg explained that Merz had expressed himself objectively and soberly, but had shown little empathy. Nevertheless, there were many indications that the coalition would successfully overcome the challenges ahead.
With regard to demographic change – more than 40 percent of eligible voters are over 60 years old – Merz reminded listeners in his speech at the Deutschlandtag that the CDU must secure its majority. In this context, Prof. Kronenberg emphasized that intergenerational justice also means thinking abstractly and taking the interests of future generations into account. It is therefore crucial to clearly communicate how the draft pension reform bill can contribute to greater intergenerational justice.