German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pledges to推进 reforms to Germany’s pension system, which multiple reports describe as “creaking.” Speaking in Berlin, Merz says the government will seek to pass a package of measures aimed at improving the system’s long-term sustainability. A central element is raising the retirement age gradually in line with changes in life expectancy, a step intended to keep benefits aligned with longer working lives. The reports also indicate that Merz endorses a broad set of reforms, including dozens of specific pension changes. One outlet notes the package includes a Swedish-style investment approach, which Germany has resisted in the past. Across the coverage, the message is that Merz views the reform effort as a priority and warns against failure, using the phrase “failure is not an option.” While the articles highlight the proposed direction of the reforms, they do not provide detailed legislative timelines, voting outcomes, or the full scope of how every measure would be implemented.