Lawmaker: Raising Latvia's Retirement Age to 70 Is Not Expected in the Coming Years

Latvia is not expected to raise its retirement age to 70 in the coming years, according to Andris Bērziņš, chair of the Saeima's Social and Employment Matters Committee and a member of the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS). He spoke on the TV24 programme "Uz līnijas". The question of raising the retirement age comes up in Latvia from time to time and causes concern among residents.

During the programme, a 64-year-old viewer asked whether the retirement age was really planned to rise to 70. She said she has been working since the age of 18, so any further increase would be a genuine shock to her.

A risky step in the current situation

Bērziņš said he considers such an option risky given the state of the economy, people's financial means and the country's social problems. In his view, it will not be considered in Latvia within the next five years.

The lawmaker stressed that Europe has not required this of Latvia. He noted that the issue may be discussed in some of Europe's wealthier countries as a way to cut spending, but he said it would not suit Latvia.

Bērziņš also said he does not believe the next Saeima, whose members have already been elected, would take such a radical step. He described it as very risky and dangerous for people.

Finding work before retirement age

The politician pointed to another problem: people of pre-retirement age in Latvia already find it hard to get a job. As an example, he said that employers simply do not want to hire someone who is 55. The lawmaker cites this as an additional argument against raising the retirement age.