Currently set at 67, the retirement age is set to rise to 68 in 2030 and 69 in 2035. However, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of the Social Democrats has indicated that her party might reconsider this automatic system in the future, arguing that the burden of extending working years should not solely fall on the populace without careful evaluation.
The change has triggered significant backlash, especially from blue-collar workers who believe that physically demanding jobs do not allow for such an extension of working years. Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old worker, expressed his frustrations, sharing that while he has paid taxes throughout his life, he should also have the opportunity to enjoy time with his family during his later years. Protests organized by trade unions have taken place in Copenhagen recently, with union leaders denouncing the proposal as "completely unfair" in the context of Denmark's healthy economy.
Retirement ages vary across Europe; for example, Sweden has an earliest pension claim age of 63, while Italy's standard is currently at 67. The situation is similar in the UK, where incremental increases in the state pension age are being implemented for those born after April 1960. Meanwhile, France's decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 has led to significant public unrest.
Overall, Denmark's decision to set the retirement age at 70 raises critical questions about labor rights and the possibilities for a dignified, quality life for seniors in today's society.
The change has triggered significant backlash, especially from blue-collar workers who believe that physically demanding jobs do not allow for such an extension of working years. Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old worker, expressed his frustrations, sharing that while he has paid taxes throughout his life, he should also have the opportunity to enjoy time with his family during his later years. Protests organized by trade unions have taken place in Copenhagen recently, with union leaders denouncing the proposal as "completely unfair" in the context of Denmark's healthy economy.
Retirement ages vary across Europe; for example, Sweden has an earliest pension claim age of 63, while Italy's standard is currently at 67. The situation is similar in the UK, where incremental increases in the state pension age are being implemented for those born after April 1960. Meanwhile, France's decision to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 has led to significant public unrest.
Overall, Denmark's decision to set the retirement age at 70 raises critical questions about labor rights and the possibilities for a dignified, quality life for seniors in today's society.
