Germany prepares for sweeping pension reform due to aging population pressures. Experts propose raising retirement age and restricting early retirement opportunities significantly.

Retirement at sixty-three will end; only health reasons allow early pension eligibility.

Partial retirement age increases; gradual adjustment between twenty thirty-one and twenty forty-one. Self-employed, lawmakers, company executives will now be required to join pension system.

Low-income workers, called minijobs, must start paying compulsory retirement contributions soon. Unions and opposition express reservations; legislation expected in Federal Parliament this year.