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More pension for everyone – this is how the SP initiative calls for a 13th AHV pension. The Bundesrat and parliament are against it. In the spring of 2024, the people will decide. On the same voting day, voters are also likely to decide on the Occupational Pensions Reform (BVG), which parliament has just approved – because the unions are holding the referendum.
GLP State Councilor Melanie Mettler (45) defends the BVG reform and rejects the Social Democrats’ AHV initiative. “More pension for everyone sounds attractive,” says the pension politician. “But not everyone depends on that. And the younger generations pay for it. Considering the five billion francs that the company would cost annually, that is considerable.”
Still: Mettler also wants more AHV – but only for the smallest pensions. About a quarter of all retirees would be in the wreath. “These are households that have to turn over every franc twice,” says Mettler. It is especially difficult for single people. “After deducting the fixed costs, they still have an average of 500 francs per month left over.”
Are there fewer surcharges?
Mettler has commissioned a report from the Federal Social Insurance Agency (BSV). In it, the Bureau presents technical proposals to improve the smallest pensions. Mettler filed a motion on this basis this week. “We need to adjust the AHV pension formula with a more favorable component for low incomes,” says Mettler.
If a retired household remains below the subsistence level, it is entitled to a supplement. But if these households now receive a higher AHV, wouldn’t there simply be fewer benefits? “We want to achieve effective improvements in retired households,” says Mettler. “The surcharges remain in effect.”
According to the text of the motion, the financing requirement for AHV and IV may not exceed two percent of the annual expenditure. Meaning: Mettler’s pension increase would cost up to a billion a year. “This is intended to improve the AHV in a fair way for generations,” emphasizes the pension policy maker. “Due to the aging population in Switzerland, this is a challenging undertaking.”
Wait until 2026
Central councilor Beat Rieder (60) submitted an identical motion in the small chamber. This gives the aim a boost. The factions of the two sides are behind it.
Don’t they just want to take the wind out of the sails of the SP initiative? Mettler waves it off. The initiative prompted a closer look at the situation. “And there is indeed a need for action. But we need targeted support, not with a watering can.”
It will take three to four years for the case to be fully dealt with in parliament. During this time, the Federal Council is working on another AHV reform. According to the will of parliament, he must present it in 2026.
“Ideally, the Federal Council will incorporate our proposal directly into the new reform,” Mettler says. “In this way we can specifically support those households that depend on a higher pension.”
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.
