Minister Jambon: "Pension reform must be socially just"

Following the general strike on Monday, March 31, Minister of Pensions Jan Jambon shared a video message in both national languages, explaining the need for pension reform. “It’s a difficult message. Still, we must take responsibility, because we believe our children and grandchildren also deserve a pension.”

“There’s a lot of debate about pension reforms. I understand that people have questions and concerns,” Jambon acknowledged. “Allow me to briefly explain why these reforms are necessary. Life expectancy continues to rise—nearly ten years more than half a century ago. That’s a positive development, but it also means we’re spending more and more on pensions.”

The cost of pensions is becoming unsustainable

But that’s not the only reason, Jambon explained. “Another issue is the retirement age. Legally it is currently set at 66, but many people retire earlier. If we do nothing, pension costs will increase by 14 billion euros over the next five years, making the system unaffordable.”

According to Jambon, intervention is unavoidable. “In the 1990s, we had four working people contributing for every retiree. Today, there are only three. By 2060, there will be just two.”

“We should have acted sooner—that’s true”

“We need to slow the steady rise in pension costs. I fully realize this is a tough message. Still, we are going to take responsibility—because we believe our children and grandchildren also deserve a pension,” Jambon concluded.

He emphasized that these reforms will be introduced gradually, with transitional periods, and always in a socially fair manner.