Former JDL President Michael Agostini criticizes CSV/DP pension reform
In a letter to the editor to the « Luxembourg word », Michael Agostini (former chairman of the Jonk Democrats) positions himself on the government’s pension reform plans.
« This reform affects all of us-but it should not only be paid for by a few. It takes courage to real justice. Socially and across generations, » writes the graduate engineer. In his view, the plans that are currently presented by CSV and DP are neither one nor the other.
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Of course, everyone is aware that the current pension system is not sustainable. This already results in the demographic change logically. « We are ready to talk about reforms. But what is not possible is a reform that is only on the shoulders of the younger ones, » emphasizes Agostini.
An imbalance between the generations is emerging in the current government plans. Agostini explains: « While adjustments to future generations are firmly calculated, the contribution of today’s pension recipients and older years remains nebulous. » The graduate engineer is particularly bothered by this « foggy », because with this set screw he sees great potential to « create a minimum level of generation justice ».
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CO₂ tax is « not a sustainable source of financing »
Agostini sharply criticized the government’s financing ideas, as Luc Frieden had presented in his situation of the nation.
Because not only would funds from the CO₂ tax, which are intended for social compensation, be misused here-the government also makes a fatal mistake here: « If the energy transition succeeds-and that is the goal-these income will go back drastically in 20 to 25 years. This money is not a sustainable source of financing. »
Agostini attests to the reform proposal socio -political « failure across the board ». A fair reform must be more than a computing cemple and instead create a balance between longer work and higher contributions.
What is not possible is a reform that is exclusively on the shoulders of the younger ones.
Michael Agostini
Former JDL chairman
In his letter, the former chairman of the Jonk Democrat also provides a concrete proposal for a solution: « A gradual increase in contributions to nine percent for employees, employers and the state would also be a fairer solution: a redistribution component in which higher contributions are done without increasing the maximum pension height – as is proposed by employee associations. »
