Martine Drez defends Luc Friedens pension reform plans

Luc Frieden (CSV) Had caused great excitement last week with his announcements for the pension system. However, as it turns out, the plans of the Prime Minister are far from being carved in stone. On Wednesday broke Minister of Social Security Martine Deprez (CSV) Your silence after Peace speech on the nation’s situation in the chamber. At a press conference, she said that the details of the government’s reform plans have not yet been determined.

However, peace had already made concrete announcements in his speech. Among them: Guide the real retirement age closer to the statutory retirement age. In order to achieve this, the years of contributions could be increased progressively annually by three months. The premier had indicated that such a measure could start from 2030.

To illustrate his plans, peace took the example of a 45-year-old employee. With the black and blue reform plans, it would have to work two and a half to three years longer. The premier did not give more detailed information on how long to increase the years of contributions.

Deprez said on Wednesday that the exact details about this were « not yet known ». « We do not know how long this measure would run. We don’t yet know whether there will be an annual increase by two or three months. » Younger employees could work longer for up to five years of contributions, « if we fully exploit the new system ». However, this is also not clear.

Study years, progressive pension, « Aefement » – these plans have been determined

What is already certain: The government does not want to increase the legal retirement age of 65 years under any circumstances, emphasizes Deprez. The study and baby years should also be further recognized. As far as the studies are concerned, the government could consider flexiting them. The years up to the age of 27 are currently taken into account. The government could raise this age or also acknowledge years of academic years.

As an example, Deprez stated that someone who works according to his Bachelor could have these studies recognized before making a master. The minister did not give exact details of the government’s plans.

Another approach that the government is considering is the introduction of a progressive pension. Employees could continue to be active and make their experience available to the company, while at the same time they would already receive half of their pension.

The government also plans to Pension reform from 2012. Means: The suspension of the adaptation of pensions to wage development in the country, the so -called « Aeahement » would continue to be suspended as soon as the pension fund’s expenses exceed its income.

So that the pension contributions do not increase, the government also wants to draw from the state budget and compensate for losses of the pension fund.

Deprez defends himself against criticism of the youth

The Minister of Social Security Deprez seems The criticism of the past few days of Friedens announcements not to be escaped. Youth parties as well as the youth council had criticized the government in press releases for not being true with their plans. In the end, young employees would have to expect an extension of their contributions by almost five years.

Deprez said, however, « everyone makes their contribution, the intergenerational solidarity is guaranteed ». By raising the years, all employees would contribute to the preservation of the pension system with their additional contributions.

The government also adheres to the 2012 pension reform. This means that pensioners have to reckon with the « Aefement » will fall as soon as the pension fund’s expenses exceed its income. « As a result, the pensioners are also solidarity, » says Deprez.

For the government, it would be « more comfortable to close the eyes », the minister defended her plans, « but » comfortable is not important to us as a government. We take responsibility because it is correct and fair to future generations « . It is not an option not to do anything for the pension system.

CO₂ tax to finance the pension system no must

Peace had considered filling the pension fund’s coffers about consumer taxes during his speech last week. He cited the CO₂ tax as an example. The CSV coalition partner, the DP, indicated on Friday last week about Economics Minister Lex Delles that the statements of Friedens should not be understood literally.

Even Peace cleared the chamber one day after his speech In conversation with radio 100.7 A that the idea of ​​using consumer taxes to finance the pension system was still immature. The specific modalities would have to be explored.

Deprez joined the DP Minister. At the press conference on Wednesday, she also said that it is not yet clear how consumer taxes should be used to finance the pension system. Using the CO₂ tax for this is not a must.

Deprez knew about Frieden’s pension plans

On Wednesday it became known that the majority parties in parliament should not have known anything about Frieden’s reform plans. This was confirmed on Wednesday morning, the health spokesman for the DP Group, Gérard Schockmel. « We weren’t informed, and the CSV faction was not. » Even Frieden’s Minister of Social Security, Martine Deprez, is said to have dipped in the dark. Shock rumored compared to the radio station 100.7that the minister was also not informed about the plans of the premier.

Deprez could not confirm the rumor on Wednesday. When asked about this at a press conference, she said that Friedens’ suggestions have known since May. The premier presented this during a cabinet meeting. The coalition partners of the DP were also present on the day. It was therefore not correct that DP members were not informed, said Deprez.

How it should go on until autumn

The social security minister now wants to talk to the social partners about the government’s reform plans before the summer. Representatives of the youth are also said to sit at the table.

At the beginning of July, Deprez plans to present a final report on the consultation process. In the course of the summer, a draft law is to be set up. Deprez wanted to present this to the State Council in autumn, she announced.

Luc Frieden « spit in the soup »

Before Deprez held a press conference on Wednesday, she was in the Chamber in the Health Commission. Deprez is said to have given the same speech there, says LSAP MP Mars di Bartolomeo to the « word ». « She read her speech and remained vague. » The minister could not clarify detailed questions about her project in the commission. Deprez is said to have repeatedly answered the details to “clarify, clarify or discuss”.

According to Di Bartolomeo, the Commission is said to have received no precise details on how exactly the government plans to stuff holes in the pension system using the state budget, as is intended by Deprez. It could apparently be administrative costs that are not related to the pension benefits.

The government of the government on pension reform is « even more than a breakdown, » says Di Bartolomeo. « We are dealing with a prime minister here who spit his minister in the soup. That doesn’t make life easier for her now that all people are irritated by having to work longer. »