SVP Landraad Bircher responds to criticism from foreign pensioners: “The truth hurts”

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The initiative for a 13th AHV pension has been well received by the Swiss community abroad. According to the latest SRG survey, as many as 80 percent would currently agree to the request.

It is therefore not surprising that SVP Councilor Martina Bircher (39) has received some hateful emails. But her attitude doesn’t deter her. “The truth hurts,” she tells Blick. “It is unfair if Swiss people abroad receive a 13th AHV pension without giving anything in return.” It is clear to them that the Swiss abroad would benefit in other ways. “They already have a lower cost of living and the strong appreciation of the franc has further increased their purchasing power.”

“That’s too bad!”

Geneva SP state councilor Carlo Sommaruga (64), who sits with Bircher in the parliamentary group of the Swiss abroad, sees it differently. “The SVP’s attack is an unacceptable instrumentalization of the voting campaign,” he says.

The fact that people talk about luxury pensions with a view to 1,200 francs per month irritates him. “That is not enough for a dignified life in Switzerland. Therefore, many retirees have to move to cheaper countries where the cost of living is lower,” says Sommaruga. These are often people with lower incomes who have worked hard in Switzerland. ‘And now you don’t want to grant them the 13th AHV pension? That’s too bad!”

Sommaruga is committed to the people’s initiative. “The 13th AHV pension improves the living situation of all Swiss people, including those abroad,” he says. “And perhaps this will allow one or two people to return to Switzerland, because they can also make ends meet here better.”

Source:Blick