As political parties including Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) promise more money for pensioners, pensions has become a hot topic in Germany ahead of the federal election next year.
The coalition government has also found itself in political hot water, after Finance Minister Christian Lindner announced plans to shake up private pensions earlier in 2024, a few years after significant unrest broke out in France when President Emmanuel Macron introduced legislation to raise statutory retirement age.
Euronews met with 65 year old Berlin retiree Antje who worked for 45 years as a senior carer in a care home for older people.
She says she receives a state pension of €1,500 per month after deductions for health insurance and tax.Antje counts herself as lucky as she inherited wealth from her family, but recognises that it's "tough for people from different backgrounds who may not have the same education or opportunities from their parents.