Senior Council with Demand for Fair Pensions

According to Presidents Birgit Gerstorfer (SPÖ) and Ingrid Korosec (ÖVP), the older generation is ready to contribute to budget consolidation. However, this must be done fairly, they emphasized at the event in Parliament. Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) expressed understanding but defended the pension adjustment decided by the government.

Senior Citizens' Council Wants to Be Involved in Pension Decisions

The most important aspect of security in old age is financial, said Gerstorfer, chairwoman of the SPÖ-affiliated Pensioners' Association. The public pension system is "not a burden" but a testament to solidarity in society. No one should live in poverty in Austria, the "fair pension adjustment is a central element," said Gerstorfer. She would like a fundamental right to old-age security and a ban on age discrimination to be enshrined in the constitution. Part of the main motion for the general assembly also includes topics such as participation at all levels, health, care, and digitalization.

Senior Citizens' Association Chairwoman Korosec demanded from the government that the Senior Citizens' Council must be "fairly and promptly informed and involved" in all relevant decisions. "We are not second-class social partners." From her perspective, age-appropriate jobs are lacking. Korosec also remembered the Senior Citizens' Council President Peter Kostelka (SPÖ), who passed away in April. She always pursued common goals with him and now looks forward to working with his successor Gerstorfer.

Schumann: "Somewhat Tolerable Conclusion" on Pensions

Social Minister Schumann was pleased that two women are now at the head of the Senior Citizens' Council. She praised the organization as a "central voice and driving force." She knew that the pension adjustment "did not meet expectations," but found that it was "a somewhat tolerable conclusion." The central task of politics remains the "securing of our welfare state," said Schumann. The government coalition agreed in September to only fully compensate pensions up to 2,500 euros for inflation. Meanwhile, the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) called for reforms in the pension system in a statement on Monday.

Welcoming words came earlier from National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ). The approximately 2.5 million senior citizens are "pillars of the republic." Many feel the effects of the economic situation and need to be relieved, said Rosenkranz. He is pleased to make the National Council Chamber available "to all socially relevant forces" and announced a "Parliament for the Disabled" for next year.

Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen addressed the attendees with a video message. The Senior Citizens' Council can make the concerns of many people visible and strengthen their positions. It is important to enable participation. Representatives of all parliamentary parties also spoke. In the afternoon, the 13th regular general assembly continued without media presence. The presidium around Gerstorfer and Korosec was unanimously elected, and the main motion with substantive priorities was adopted, it was announced in a statement.

(APA/Red)

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