The Radical Party (De Radikale) and several other political parties are now urging the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) to begin discussions on the future retirement age as early as next year. The leader of the Radical Party, Martin Lidegaard, emphasizes the need for prompt talks to ensure economic stability and provide clarity for Danes regarding their retirement terms.

Lidegaard explains that the Radical Party is joining a coalition of parties, including the Moderates (Moderaterne) and the Socialist People’s Party (SF), who wish to initiate negotiations before the next voting round in 2025. He highlights the importance of managing the economy and ensuring that there are clear frameworks for pensioners moving forward.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that the Social Democrats (Socialdemokratiet) intend to vote in favor of raising the retirement age to 70 by 2040, in accordance with the welfare agreement established in 2006. This agreement, referred to as a “crown jewel” of the Danish economy, mandates that the Parliament review the retirement age every five years and increase it by one year to maintain a high level of welfare. Economists warn that failing to raise the retirement age could cost the state billions of Danish kroner.

The coalition partners of the Social Democrats, namely the Liberal Party (Venstre) and the Moderates, have also expressed the need for swift negotiations. Recently, the leader of the Moderates and Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, stated that he is open to quick discussions.

However, the political spokesperson for the Social Democrats, Christian Rabjerg Madsen, has been cautious about making guarantees regarding the timeline for when negotiations may occur. He previously stated to the newspaper Jyllands-Posten that it is too soon to predict the timeframe.

The Radical Party places a strong emphasis on economic responsibility in the upcoming negotiations. Lidegaard points out that reopening the welfare agreement should ensure that future generations are not left with disproportionately large economic burdens. He also notes the concerning demographic trends, including falling birth rates, as a factor supporting the need for everyone to contribute as long as possible to their own and others’ welfare.