Pension reform is imminent: FPÖ and ÖVP negotiate intensively!

Pension reform is imminent: FPÖ and ÖVP negotiate intensively!

Österreich - In Austria, the discussions about the pension system are boiling! After the announcement by FPÖ and ÖVP on January 13, 2025, that you are striving for savings of 150 million euros in the pension area, there is further information on the plans of the two parties. On January 16, 2025, the ÖVP made it clear that a lower or no upgrading of the pension account was not part of the negotiations, which caused the mind. The FPÖ and the ÖVP are working on forming a new federal government, and the topic of pensions will be the top priority, as can be seen from the current coalition talks, which are shaped by tensions, especially with regard to the age of pension. This was also reported by the small newspaper, which indicates that the NEOS got out of the negotiations due to their desires in this area.

changes in the pension system in the prospect

An essential point is the discussion about the factual retirement age, which is currently 61.2 years. The FPÖ plans to raise this age and to think about partial pensions in which pensioners continue to work and at the same time receive part of their pension. The demand for a higher adjustment of the pensions above the inflation rate comes mainly from the FPÖ, which wants to support pensioners with low covers. Ingrid Korosec, the head of the ÖVP senior citizens' association, emphasized the importance of the fair treatment of pensioners and that reforms are necessary, but should not take place.

The discussion becomes more complex due to the enormous financial challenges. Since 2018, various measures have been burdening the budget with around 7.5 billion euros annually. Even if the payment of pensions increases by 4.6 percent from January 1, 2025, the future prospects in the pension system remain uncertain. Korosec emphasizes that the low employment rates of the 55- to 64-year-olds must also be taken into account by only 57 percent in order to promote age-appropriate jobs and increase the factual retirement age.

While the discussions continue, it remains to be seen which concrete changes will bring the upcoming negotiations for the pensioners in Austria. The policies of FPÖ and ÖVP promise both austerity measures and potential improvements, but the way to implement these plans remains stony.

For more detailed information about the current developments in the pension system, take a look at the reports of Kleine Zeitung .