The Dutch coalition parties have agreed to “soften” their proposed changes to the state pension (AOW). This decision follows intense parliamentary pressure during a debate on the government’s statement of intent. D66, VVD, and CDA originally planned to accelerate the rise of the retirement age starting in 2033. Under that initial plan, the pension age would have increased by one full year for every year of added life expectancy. This would have replaced the current system, where the age rises by only eight months for every year of life expectancy.
SGP leader Chris Stoffer announced that the current proposal is now “off the table.” He successfully backed a motion alongside Groep-Markuszower to force a revision. Consequently, the coalition must now draft a new proposal that remains financially viable. While the government seeks a compromise, opposition parties like GroenLinks-PvdA and the PVV demand that the acceleration be scrapped entirely rather than just modified.
Protections for heavy labour
D66 leader Jan Paternotte indicated that the cabinet will specifically reconsider protections for those in physically demanding professions. He expects the final coupling between life expectancy and the AOW age to be less than the proposed one-on-one ratio. Prime Minister Rob Jetten welcomed the concrete suggestions from the House. He noted that the government is willing to adjust its plans to maintain a parliamentary majority.
@ anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
