National Council: Pension increase fixed for next year

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Pensions are expected to climb by 4.6%
Accordingly, the increase of 4.6 percent covers inflation but only up to the maximum ASVG pension. Those with a higher pension will receive a fixed amount of just under 279 euros. The pension adjustment will remain suspended, while the inflation protection clause for new pensioners will be extended.

Approval from the SPÖ
The SPÖ agreed to the bill but, like the FPÖ, would have preferred more generous regulations. The SPÖ was annoyed that the protection clause for the corridor pension only applies in exceptional cases. The Freedom Party, represented by social affairs spokesperson Dagmar Belakowitsch, would have liked to see an increase of 5.5 percent up to the ASVG maximum pension, as the inflation was more painful for senior citizens than for other groups. Belakowitsch demanded the reintroduction of the pensioner price index.

Former Social Affairs Minister Alois Stöger (SPÖ) called it a “blatant injustice” that the 2022 pension cohort was still affected by the aliquot system and demanded a retroactive correction. In general, the SPÖ wants the aliquot system to be permanently abolished. This means that the later you retire in the year, the smaller the bonus in the first year of retirement.

No NEOS approval
The NEOS, on the other hand, did not like the fact that the law was passed at all. This was because inflation compensation would have been automatic. According to social spokesperson Gerald Loacker, the amendment had only become necessary because, often before elections, those in power wanted to hand out goodies.

Unsurprisingly, the coalition praised the chosen method. It is important to him that the purchasing power of the older generation is maintained, explained VP party leader August Wöginger. He also thinks nothing of the pension system being talked down: “This also unsettles the older generation.” Green Party social spokesperson Markus Koza also emphasized concerning the cap that the pension increases would not be limitless. He believes that the extension of the protection clause is due to inflation and is, therefore, not an election gift.