Rentenreform und die Bereitschaft zur Eigenvorsorge: Umfrageergebnisse in Deutschland

This paper summarizes the main findings of a survey that explores the relation between pension policy and private savings in Germany. The survey was conducted in February/March 2000. Similar surveys were conducted in France, Italy and Spain. Main aim of the survey was to explore how many workers would opt out of the public pension system and substitute public pensions by own savings. The study also explores framing effects in the set-up of the questions and the role of self-control mechanisms. Even with neutral framing, about two thirds of the respondents are willing to replace 50% of public pensions by private savings if savings must be used for old-age provision. Only about 45% agree to the opting-out plan if it is possible to use the reduced contributions for current consumption. About 50% of the respondents are willing to bear a temporary additional burden if this