German Chancellor Olaf Scholz once again clearly rejected the idea of raising the retirement age in a message released on Wednesday, which is Labour Day in Germany.
"For me, it is a question of decency not to deny those who have worked for a long time the retirement they deserve," said Scholz in a video message.
"And younger people who are at the beginning of their working lives also have the right to know how long they have to work," he said.
In Germany, the standard pensionable age for those born after 1964 is 67. Early retirement is possible starting at 63, with a reduction in pension payments.
Scholz emphasized that employees in Germany had never worked as many hours as they did last year.
"That's why it annoys me when some people speak disparagingly of 'Leisure Park Germany'" he said. With over 46 million women and men working, there are more people in employment in Germany than ever before.
However, even more labour will be needed in the coming years, said the chancellor.
"That is why we are also making sure that those who have fled to us from Russia's war in Ukraine find work more quickly," Scholz said. Because work is more than just earning money.
"Work also means belonging, having colleagues, being recognised and appreciated."