It would have been about five to twelve francs a month that AHV pensioners would have received on top. In addition to the 2.5 percent increase in pensions that was already implemented in January, an additional 0.3 percentage point must be added. This was what Parliament had demanded – and the Bundesrat had reluctantly prepared the amendment.
Today, the federal government uses the so-called mixed index as a guideline when determining AHV pensions. Half of this is based on inflation and the other half on wage developments. Pensions are generally adjusted every two years.
Ordinary people say no
And now everything is in vain: because the National Council no longer wants to know about the full adjustment of the cost of living. The Grand Chamber decided by 97 votes in favour, 92 against and one abstention. In addition to the FDP and SVP, the Green Liberals were also against the extra pension increase. And some of the center’s national councilors abstained or were absent.
As late as September, a centrist factional movement had found a narrow majority in the National Council. At that time, an alliance of the SP, the Greens and the Center Party prevailed – while there were absentees on the other side.
Proponents of a full cost-of-living adjustment were particularly arguing with the rise in prices caused by the war in Ukraine. According to their will, this should also apply to IV pensions and supplementary benefits.
Cost of 418 million for two years
The Council of States will consider the subject for the third time on Thursday. Then the discussion of the implementation proposal of the Bundesrat is on the agenda. Unlike in the National Council, the SP, Greens and Center Party together have a majority in the Council of States. If both municipalities refuse to intervene, or if one municipality does so twice, the bill is off the table.
The additional pension increase will cost a total of 418 million francs for the years 2023 and 2024. The IV bears 54 million francs of the additional expenditure. According to the Federal Council, the additional costs should exceptionally not be co-financed by the federal government. (SDA/sf)
Source:Blick
I am Liam Livingstone and I work in a news website. My main job is to write articles for the 24 Instant News. My specialty is covering politics and current affairs, which I’m passionate about. I have worked in this field for more than 5 years now and it’s been an amazing journey. With each passing day, my knowledge increases as well as my experience of the world we live in today.
