“Once the elections are over, it often takes months until a government comes in,” said VP Senior Citizens’ Association Chairwoman Ingrid Korosec. This could delay the decisions. The President of the SP Pensioners Association Peter Kostelka pointed out that the pension factor would be available at the beginning of August. He assumes around five percent for 2025. The National Council could decide on the increase in September. For the up to 2.5 million eligible voters who belong to the older generation, the timely increase will certainly help them decide on the election, said Kostelka.
The Senior Citizens’ Council also spoke out in favor of abolishing the aliquoting of the first pension adjustment. The protective clause that prevents a loss in the value of pensions should remain. Korosec appealed to increase the actual retirement age: currently only 56.4 percent of 55 to 64 year olds are working.
Digital age discrimination
A round table against age discrimination is also called for. Digitalization in particular often presents older people with major challenges. “It must be possible to submit an application in writing,” said Korosec. For example, the repair bonus can only be applied for digitally. Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) rejected a request from the Seniors’ Council that bonuses should also be applicable in the same way. “It is unacceptable that people who do not have access to the Internet are practically incapacitated,” said Kostelka angrily.
Author
Annette Gantner
Internal politics editor
Annette Gantner
