BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s Cabinet on Wednesday approved a 4.57% rise in retirees’ pensions from this summer, well above the current rate of inflation.
Rises in German pensions are linked largely to wage developments. Although inflation has subsided over the past year, the outcome of recent salary negotiations in various sectors has reflected demands for hefty pay rises following a big increase in living costs.
The increase will take effect on July 1, the first time since 2000 that pensions in Europe’s biggest economy have risen by more than the annual inflation rate, which in March stood at 2.2%, German news agency dpa reported.
An increase last year of 4.39% in the former West Germany and 5.86% in the less prosperous and formerly communist east completed efforts to bring pensions in the two parts of the once-divided country level more than 30 years after reunification.
Germany has a population of 84 million, including more than 21 million retirees.
It's six today for birthday boy Louis, the prince of royal mischief
VOX POPULI: ‘Domicide’ is yet another terrible addition to the lexicon of war
Man almost loses leg to sepsis after cut to back of head with barber’s clippers
Look what you made me do! Taylor Swift famously uses her mega
VOX POPULI: Early spring fills us with regret at missing out on winter’s charms
Russia's presidential vote starts final day with accusations of Kyiv sabotage
VOX POPULI: Nikkei index soars but real economy still feels sluggish
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts working with Shohei Ohtani on strike zone discipline
Hong Kong launches nightlife campaign to boost 'night
Crew members injured in crash on set of Eddie Murphy movie 'The Pickup'
Man almost loses leg to sepsis after cut to back of head with barber’s clippers