Labor Minister Florin Manole said Tuesday that raising the retirement age for all Romanians is not being considered, that no such draft law exists, and that the Social Democratic Party (PSD) does not support increasing the retirement age, as pensions are a right earned after a lifetime of work and contributions.

Manole was asked whether the Government was considering an increase in the retirement age.

„No, such a measure is not being considered. There is no draft law and no discussion on this topic. The Social Democratic Party does not support raising the retirement age, because pensions are a right earned after a lifetime of work and contributions, not something that can or should be postponed, and not a privilege. So, in conclusion, there is no discussion and no bill on this subject. I am actually glad that the prime minister clarified this morning, if I am not mistaken, saying that this debate can and does take place in relation to occupational pensions, especially regarding magistrates’ pensions and the bill already assumed by the Government, but not about pensions in general,” Manole said at the Palace of Parliament.

He added that he did not wish to comment on the prime minister’s statement.

„I am here to tell you that the Social Democratic Party does not support such a move, that there is no draft law and no discussion within the coalition on this subject, and for the reasons already stated, this will not happen,” he concluded.

The Government is not considering and is not currently discussing an increase in the standard retirement age, government spokesperson Ioana Dogioiu also said Tuesday.

„In his interview with national broadcaster TVR, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan referred exclusively to the retirement age of categories with special status in this regard, namely the elimination of exceptions from the standard age,” Dogioiu explained.

AGERPRES