President Komorowski supports pension reform
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
16.02.2012 08:20
President Bronislaw Komorowski has given his backing to pensions reforms proposed by the government, which aims to raise the retirement age to 67 years old.
“I ask you: if not now, then when?” President Komorowski told the TVP public broadcaster last night, referring to the beginning by the centre right Civic Platform-led governments of public consultations on the planned pension reforms.
“We are three years away from an election and the economy shows growth. We must remember that all European countries, often more affluent than us, are having to go through unpopular reforms such as this. We must have the courage to make these decisions if we are inwardly convinced that they will serve [the interests] of Poland,” Komorowski said.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that: "We have no doubt that the Polish reality of the 2040s, 2050s, and 2060s will see a shortage of workers,” and proposed a rise in retirement age, which would be broad in in stages, of a retirement age of 67 for both men and woman.
The reforms will be opposed by opposition parties Law and Justice (PiS) and Democratic Left Alliance (SLD).
The Solidarity trade union called for a referendum of the reform this week. (pg)