The German Bundestag has approved a controversial pension reform package amid intense political debate. The package aims to maintain the pension level at 48% until 2031, with discussions ongoing about whether to extend this limit beyond that year, potentially incurring additional costs estimated at around 120 billion euros until 2040. The vote saw 319 members in favor, meeting the required majority of 316, with significant opposition from the 'Junge Gruppe' (Young Group) of the CDU/CSU, which criticizes the package as too expensive and unfair to younger generations. CDU politician Philipp Amthor defended the reform, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable pension system and warning about the economic risks of inaction. Conversely, Heidi Reichinnek of The Left criticized the coalition's handling of the issue, accusing the Union of power struggles at the expense of pensioners and calling for an increase in the pension level to 53%. The debate also featured sharp exchanges between politicians, with Müntefering, a veteran SPD politician, criticizing the tone of the discussion as childish and emphasizing the importance of democratic compromise. The opposition parties, including the Greens and AfD, voiced concerns about the burden on young people and the financial stability of the system, while the FDP condemned the law as creating only losers. The vote was further complicated by the presence of 'Renten-Rebellen' (pension rebels) who refused to support the package, and by the high stakes set by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who aimed for a narrow majority of 316 votes to pass the law. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, pending approval by the Bundesrat on December 19, and the work of a pension reform commission is expected to continue into next year.