President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko will consider three options for raising the retirement age, with the possibility of its phased introduction from January 1, 2017. These are the results of a meeting held on March 10 on the development of the pension system, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko will consider three options for raising the retirement age, with the possibility of its phased introduction from January 1, 2017. These are the results of a meeting held on March 10 on the development of the pension system, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader.
The Head of State noted that people are actively discussing this pressing issue. At the same time, the main message is that everyone wants pensions to increase and ensure a normal standard of living, but the ways to achieve this often differ.
"Today I am between two positions. Firstly, the government proposes to significantly improve the pension system. There are various proposals, starting with the Russian model," the President noted. "We are talking about raising the retirement age for now, and then, possibly, reforming the entire system, refining or changing some directions. This is one position, the government's position."
"On the other hand, there is the population. I will say frankly, according to my data (and I am sure it is accurate), we have not yet reached an overwhelming majority among the population that would support this government proposal to raise the retirement age. We are close to half. And people respond to our proposals, requests, even if slowly, but after we explain, tell, and recommend, they understand what is being discussed. Belarusians are educated people," said the Head of State.
"I am between two streams of opinion: the government's proposals, based on economics (and I am absolutely in solidarity with them), and the opinion of the people, which I cannot ignore," stated Alexander Lukashenko.
"I have thought about this issue for a long time and will proceed from one principle that I always use: it is not the processes occurring in society and the economy that should govern us, but we should govern these processes. And if the situation is tolerable, one can endure it, but if it approaches that Rubicon which is impossible to allow and cross, then a decision must be made so that these processes do not govern us later, because it will be more costly both in politics, economy, and finances," believes the Belarusian leader.
"Therefore, I would like the government to answer this question today as well: have we already reached that serious moment when a decision must be made, or is the situation still tolerable, solely from an economic point of view," stressed the President.
"All aspects of the topic under discussion must be carefully and comprehensively considered, and the most optimal options must be developed so that our pension system is reliable and operates without failures for the benefit of the people," added the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko believes it is fair if the increase in the retirement age affects everyone.
"But all factors must be taken into account: the difference in life expectancy between men and women, the specifics of urban and rural areas, working conditions in certain sectors, and other factors," said the head of state.
Alexander Lukashenko believes that in the matter of increasing the retirement age, one should proceed from life, taking into account real demographic processes and without worsening the material situation.
In his opinion, two factors speak in favour of this measure. Firstly, significant changes in the structure of society, where the number of workers is decreasing, and the number of pensioners is constantly growing. Thus, there are more than 60 pensioners per 100 working people. According to the head of state, this trend will intensify and the proportions will diverge.
"Secondly, thanks to our socio-economic policy, people have started to live longer. The average life expectancy has increased by 5 years compared to the 90s. Therefore, 55-60 years is a normal age," believes the President.
Alexander Lukashenko noted that he is surprised by sociological research showing that the working population accepts the increase in the retirement age normally, while pensioners do not support this measure. "We need to explain to pensioners: God forbid we face a situation where we have to lower pensions! - the President noted. - This must not be allowed. Because our pensioners' pensions are already not large. And pensions must not be reduced under any circumstances." He added that when this issue was discussed with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin noted that "even in Russia, a situation is emerging where, if the retirement age is maintained at the current level, and there are insufficient revenues to the pension fund, then pensions will have to be lowered because there is not enough money to distribute to pensioners."
The President also touched upon another aspect of this problem. If the country decides to raise the retirement age, then even more jobs will need to be created. And, in his opinion, this will be a good incentive for job creation. Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that this should not just be taken into account, but should be well calculated.
The Head of State also added that in the event of an increase in the retirement age, the process will most likely be phased in to allow the population to adapt.
"I instructed the relevant structures to monitor public opinion. It is not yet substantial. So far, I am only being reported on paper in two or three pages about some stages that we will go through until April, until June, and then until August in convincing the population. The population does not need any stages. People need to be told one thing: here are the pros on the scales, here are the cons," said the Head of State.
"I am not inclined today to exaggerate, that if we raise the retirement age, the whole country will turn upside down. No, nothing will turn upside down. It's just that, as people say, we wouldn't want to do it rashly and receive some reproaches from our population," noted Alexander Lukashenko. - Everything must be done carefully. And since we say that the person is the main focus of our policy, we must still listen to the person or convince them, as we are doing."
The President noted that the issue of raising the retirement age is a concern not only in Belarus but also in Russia and Kazakhstan. Alexander Lukashenko said that he had discussed this issue with the leadership of the Russian Federation more than once and very seriously. "We have absolutely identical positions! Circumstances are forcing us, pushing us towards resolving the issue of the retirement age. The question is when to do it," said the head of the Belarusian state. According to him, he and Vladimir Putin agreed that they would persuade the population in both Russia and Belarus, and Kazakhstan would also join in.
The head of the Belarusian state noted that Kazakhstan has already taken a step towards raising the retirement age, but it was not entirely decisive, and today it faces the task of raising the retirement age for the second time.
The President of Belarus pointed out that even in the wealthiest countries, the retirement age is significantly higher than in Belarus: by 5 years in some cases, and by 10 years in others. As an example, Alexander Lukashenko cited Germany, where, according to him, the retirement age is 67 years. "A wealthy country that spends billions on aid to other states, including minimizing the consequences of the influx of refugees. Are they fools? No," the head of state noted.
Three options for raising the retirement age were proposed to the President. All options have been economically calculated, including with the involvement of scientists.
The first option envisages retirement at 60 for women and 65 for men. According to the government, this is the most economically acceptable option, as it yields good results.
The second option considers the possibility of retirement at 60 for women and 63 for men.
The third option envisages introducing a retirement age of 58 for women and 63 for men.
As for the pace at which it is planned to increase the retirement age, the most optimal is a step of six months.
The final decision on the issue of raising the retirement age will be made after broad discussion.
The head of state emphasized that public opinion must be taken into account, and feedback from people is very important. Only after that will the final decision be made.
Alexander Lukashenko also drew attention to the need to create jobs, as in the event of an increase in the retirement age, a certain number of citizens will remain in the labor market, and consequently, new jobs must be created, as there are also university graduates, young people, who must have a guarantee of their first job.
In this regard, the President instructed to create more opportunities for the development of small and medium-sized businesses.
The Head of State intends to hold another meeting on this issue in the near future, at which a final decision will be made.