The topic of raising Poland’s retirement age has once again entered public discourse. Previously deemed a politically sensitive issue, particularly after Donald Tusk’s first government raised the age and faced backlash in 2015, the new coalition government seems to be revisiting this idea. Despite assurances before the October 2023 elections that no changes were planned, recent discussions suggest otherwise.
International Influence and Domestic Proposals
In November 2023, the IMF suggested reforms, including equalizing retirement ages for men and women or linking the age to life expectancy, as seen in several European nations. Additionally, Polish Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz hinted at future adjustments, emphasizing incentives for longer careers rather than immediate reforms.
Public Concerns and Referendum Memories
The debate raises fears of forced labor extensions among Poles, particularly older citizens. Many recall the October 2023 referendum where 2nd question explicitly opposed raising the retirement age. Despite high voter turnout, its results were non-binding, further fueling public skepticism about policymakers’ intentions.
A Complex Path Ahead
With women retiring at 60 and men at 65, the average Polish lifespan of 74.7 for men and 82 for women complicates reforms. While voluntary work post-retirement is supported, mandatory extensions remain contentious. The government’s next steps will likely be under intense scrutiny.