Minimum wages are increasing – not because of, but despite the Klingbeil (opinion)

What does the football fan, who complains with beer on the sidelines, have in common with the SPD boss? I have no idea about the matter. At least that’s what Steffen Kampeter means, who represents the employer on the minimum wage commission. The commission that, contrary to all expectations, was still able to present an agreement on the new border of wages. In spite of all.

It is already a value that the two representatives of the employers and the unions were able to step in front of the press this morning. Somewhat overnight, apparently, but still happily voted: The minimum wage commission unanimously decided that the minimum wage should increase significantly – on January 1, 2026 by over one euro to 13.90 euros, the following year to 14.60 euros.

A good compromise is between what is necessary and possible in order to protect employees and not overwhelm companies. Says Steffen Kampeter from the Federal Association of German Employers. But also says Stefan Körzell from the German Trade Union Confederation. And yes, the result can be represented in terms of content, it is difficult to cope with politically-at least for one: the SPD boss Lars Klingbeil.

It was not clear that the commission was unanimously resolved. And that it was so difficult was also due to him and his SPD. The whole procedure due to interference from politics was too charged. In 2022, the SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz then politically gave a significant increase to twelve euros-past the Commission. The following round of negotiations did not compromise. In order to reach an agreement, the independent chairman ultimately agreed with the employers. The unions were angry, the entire procedure was about to end.

The final end of the minimum wage commission would have meant failure at this year’s negotiation round. At least one of the parties would have left the negotiating table. So the good news of the day is: the commission saved itself with its compromise. Despite the challenging situation, despite the paralfing economy, despite increasing prices. And that too: despite the SPD.

It was she who made the negotiations most difficult. Employer representatives, trade unionists and the independent chairperson can also agree on this. It was the absolutely unambiguous political demand, no announcement, the Social Democrats: 15 euros! And it was not someone who asked for this, but the SPD leader, Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is high: the lower wage limit of 15 euros would be reached in 2026, at least “if the minimum wage commission takes itself seriously and implemented what is in its rules of procedure”.

A rejection for the commission, served representatives of all pages accordingly. Of course, you take yourself seriously, said trade unionist Körzell, otherwise you could have spent the last few days in the beautiful weather on the Spree. In other words: thanks for nothing, dear Lars Klingbeil.

There may be some who said: “But the goal should have fallen,” said employer representative Kampeter. But the result is a compromise, a balance, giving and taking. Only that does not seem to be very clear to those who “complain with the beer can in their hands”.

The day could have started better for the SPD boss than with such a clap. It meets him this Friday, only hours before the SPD in Berlin comes together to the party congress. It is conceivable that Lars Klingbeil could tolerate one or two beer quite well tonight.