Tough fronts on the financing of the 13th AHV pension
Published: Saturday, Jul 6th 2024, 10:20
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The Federal Council wants to finance the 13th AHV pension primarily with higher salary contributions and is also discussing an increase in VAT. This has met with little approval. Civil parties want nothing to do with either. The left and trade unions are calling on the federal government to make its full financial contribution.
In its consultation response, the SVP explains that the funding debacle was caused by the initiators of the successful referendum. It firmly rejects higher wage contributions and higher VAT.
Instead, the Federal Council should swiftly tackle a comprehensive AHV reform with the 13th pension. An issue with such far-reaching implications could not be dealt with in a separate bill. The AHV must be sustainably restructured.
The FDP is of the same opinion and "firmly rejects" the proposal. Before thinking about higher contributions and taxes, savings should be made. The 13th AHV pension would exacerbate the financing problem of the 1st pillar. Instead of adopting new levies in a salami-slicing tactic, a structural AHV reform is needed, which should be presented to parliament as a priority.
For the center, it is important that the 13th pension does not put the AHV in financial difficulties right from the start. It prefers an increase in VAT as a short-term solution. In the interests of intergenerational fairness, this would also include pensioners in the financing.
The three VAT rates should increase proportionally so that the lower rates for everyday goods would be less affected. Further sources of funding should then be examined in the AHV reform, such as the financial transaction tax proposed by the party.
Unlike the other parties, the Green Liberals are in favor of paying out the 13th AHV pension in monthly installments. They reject the proposed financing options. Instead of higher salary contributions, employment should be increased. The party also rejects the reduction in the federal share of AHV expenditure.
SP: The Confederation has a duty
As a co-initiator, the SP opposes the Federal Council's plan to reduce the federal contribution to the AHV to 18.7%. It would be downright grotesque if the federal government were to reduce its contribution following the result of the vote. The center is also against this reduction.
The key of 20.2 percent federal share and 79.8 percent salary contributions was finally approved by the people with a two-thirds majority in May 2019 in the vote on the tax reform and AHV financing, writes the SP.
She emphasized that she had already spoken out in favour of financing via salary contributions during the referendum campaign. This would be manageable for the economy, as the average contributions to accident insurance and pension funds would fall and the solidarity contribution to unemployment insurance would be abolished in 2023.
The Greens consider the increase in VAT and the reduction in the federal contribution to the AHV to be a disregard for the will of the people. They support higher wage percentages. The population should not have to answer for wrong decisions made by the bourgeoisie. It is also out of the question to do without the 13th IV pension.
The Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB) writes that the 13th AHV pension should be financed in the same way as the other twelve: with salary percentages and the federal contribution of 20.2 percent to the AHV.
The reduction in the federal share is not acceptable to the SGB. After all, this share is there to pay for benefits that are not generated through salary contributions, such as childcare credits.
Categorical no to wage percentages
While the initiators are backing a salary percentage, the umbrella organization Economiesuisse categorically rejects this. From the point of view of the economy, the pensioners who benefit would have to contribute to the additional costs. Only a higher value added tax would be an option. The association approves of temporary financing from the AHV equalization fund, as the fund is generating surpluses.
The Swiss Employers' Association also rejects any increase in wage contributions. It demands that financing should be provided entirely via value added tax. The reduction in the federal contribution should be compensated for by capital income from the AHV equalization fund. The next AHV reform must include restructuring measures, including a higher retirement age. Ultimately, the financing of the 13th pension must be clear to employers before it is paid out.
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