Pensioners’ association Avivo campaigns for 13th AHV pension
Published: Tuesday, Jan 23rd 2024, 12:10
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The pensioners' organization Avivo is calling for the introduction of a 13th AHV pension. It argues that the proposal, which will be put to the vote on March 3, is particularly important for older people who are not privileged. The supporters ignore concerns about financing.
On Tuesday, the Association for the Defense of Pensioners' Rights (Avivo) held a press conference in Bern to promote the popular initiative "For a better life in old age (initiative for a 13th AHV pension)". Around a dozen speakers argued that many people of retirement age need a thirteenth monthly pension.
Several options for financing
"The AHV has the means to do this," said Claude-Alain Kleiner, President of the Avivo Canton Neuchâtel section. Former Geneva Green National Councillor Ueli Leuenberger, President of the Geneva Avivo section, noted that the AHV reserves would still amount to CHF 49 billion in 2030, even with a 13th AHV pension. "It is not true that the AHV is going bankrupt."
In the long term, there is also the possibility of financing the additional monthly pension with higher salary deductions. Avivo also proposes a new AHV contribution obligation on investment income. There is also the option of transferring pension fund assets to the AHV.
Other senior citizens' organization says no
Unlike Avivo, the Swiss Association for Senior Citizens' Issues (SVS) is opposed to the additional AHV pension. It is unacceptable that the younger generation should once again be asked to pay for the benefit of the older generation and that AHV funds should be distributed according to the watering can principle, it said in a press release.
According to the SVS, salary contributions and VAT would have to be increased significantly in the medium term in order to finance the 13th AHV pension. "This represents a very heavy additional burden on private households and companies in the future."
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