There is no doubt, in spite of the government’s rhetoric, that the plan with changes in the social security system that was presented on Monday includes many painful changes for large categories of policyholders. The constantly repeated assurance that main pensions will not be affected may be true – temporarily as it seems – for a large number of existing pensioners, but the cost will be huge for those who will retire from now on.
It is also a fact that merging the funds into one will have a significant effect on contributions and protection afforded to major categories of employees and professionals. The most important change though is how the pensions will be calculated, with new pensioners set to receive far lower pensions that what is currently being paid out.
As for the supplementary pensions things are even more uncertain, since the ‘zero deficit clause’ has been converted into a ‘sustainability clause’, while the existing reserves will be seized to pay off current pensions, leaving future pensioners out in the cold. Things are even murkier when it comes to the personal difference that will be paid out to existing pensions, which will be abolished after 2018…
There is no doubt that the social security system has accumulated many problems over the years and needs major reforms, as it cannot be funded by the state budget with up to a third of its revenue. It is also clear that any refusal to carry out reforms will trigger a slow death. The government, primarily, as well as the opposition have a duty to clearly inform the people on the facts and possible solutions.
Nobody can hide behind lies or half truths that there will be no cuts. The employees and professionals who will be called again to pay must at least be convinced that the sacrifices they will endure will be fair.
TO VIMA
