Verfassungsrechtliche Vorgaben für Sozialversicherungsreformen

German social insurance is to adapt to societal changes and requires reforms if it is not to fail in its protective purpose. The Constitution sets framework conditions for such reforms: It allows for further development and changes in existing structures, yet it also postulates consistency, protects acquired rights and urges existing social security systems to be effective. The legislator may not completely dispense with risk protection. At the same time, the Constitution grants the legislator sufficient scope for action, since he may lay down the type and level of security. However, the Constitution also ensures a certain continuity through the protection of confidence, as drastic restructuring measures may entail great costs with respect to the transition of protected rights.