A German government commission, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Social Minister Bärbel Bas (SPD), is meeting on February 23, 2026, to discuss potentially raising the retirement age to 70. This proposal stems from the demographic pressure on the German pension system, with more retirees and fewer contributors. The commission will explore how to incentivize longer working lives, including significant financial rewards for delaying retirement, and whether civil servants and politicians should contribute to the statutory pension insurance. The discussion also touches upon potential deductions for earlier retirement and contrasts with proposals from the Left party for increased employer contributions. The commission is expected to present initial recommendations by spring 2026, facing potential opposition from unions and within the SPD.