Senior Council Submits Position Paper to Blue-Black Negotiators
Among other things, measures against inflation and a care reform are demanded, while an increase in the statutory retirement age and a reduction in the annual pension increase are rejected. The presidents Ingrid Korosec and Peter Kostelka, however, do not agree on specific measures such as flat tax or an increase in the corridor pension.
Senior Council Against One-Sided Budget Consolidation
The Senior Council, for example, opposes a one-sided or particularly burdensome budget consolidation for pensioners. As an example, the president of the SPÖ-affiliated Pensioners' Association, Peter Kostelka, mentioned an increase in health insurance contributions for pensioners. There was general willingness to discuss measures to bring the actual retirement age closer to the statutory one - currently there is still about a three-year gap. While ÖVP Senior Citizens' Association President Korosec can specifically imagine raising the entry age for the corridor pension from 62 to 63 years and the number of necessary insurance years from 40 to 42, Kostelka simply said: "This is not a concern of mine."
There was also general agreement on the issue of age-appropriate workplaces and prevention - in contrast, however, is the assessment of a flat tax of 20 percent for people who want to work even after reaching retirement age. While Korosec claimed to have convinced Chamber of Commerce President Harald Mahrer of this idea, Kostelka called the idea "not logical". Such a model would only really pay off with a corresponding income: "The jackpot only comes into play at higher income levels." Below that, "complicated solutions" are needed when adding up pension and additional income. Overall, a flat tax is therefore unfair. Korosec, on the other hand, simply wants to exempt everyone below the tax-free limit from a flat tax.
"We Must Be Solidary in Saving"
In terms of possible savings, Korosec was at least rhetorically somewhat more willing to compromise. "We must be solidary in saving," she emphasized. It cannot be that pensioners are excessively burdened. If a savings course is necessary, then it must affect everyone.
However, there is agreement on the call for a functioning health and care system. Although a little has happened here in recent years. "But we can only dream of a care reform," said Korosec. What is needed here is financing and control in one hand - no matter who is responsible. The existing federalism currently prevents this.
(APA/Red)
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