Belgian Pension Minister Jan Jambon (N-VA) shared a bilingual video on social media on Saturday morning highlighting the necessity of pension reform.
Jambon acknowledged the message’s difficulty ahead of Monday’s general strike, stating the importance of taking responsibility to secure pensions for future generations.
The minister explained that rising life expectancy drives higher pension costs, noting that today’s legal retirement age is 66, yet many retire earlier. If no action is taken, pension costs are projected to increase by €14 billion over the next five years, rendering them unaffordable.
Jambon stressed the urgency of intervention, pointing out the decline in the ratio of workers to retirees from four in the 1990s to three today, with an expected further drop to two by 2060. While recognising the challenge, he emphasised the need to ensure pensions for children and grandchildren.
He concluded by promising gradual implementation of the reforms with transitional periods and social fairness.
Unions ABVV and ACV have called for a general strike on Monday in both private and public sectors to protest the federal government’s plans, including pension reforms.
Additionally, reliable sources indicate that the three public sector unions will meet with Minister Jambon on Monday afternoon, which his office has confirmed.
