Discontent with planned pension reform in Belgium has intensified after controversial remarks by Minister of Finance, Pensions and National Lottery Jan Jambon, the Belgian news agency Belga reported, quoted by BTA.
His comment that women will have to "change their behavior" further fueled planned protests against the government's intentions for changes.
The reform, proposed by the federal government of Prime Minister Bart de Wever, aims to make the pension system more financially sustainable. One of the main measures envisages the introduction of the so-called. a pension penalty that will reduce the size of the pensions of people who choose to retire early without having accumulated enough years of work experience.
Critics warn that the new rules could hit women harder. In Belgium, they are much more likely to work part-time and take breaks from their careers to care for children or loved ones, meaning they have fewer pension rights.
Commenting on the reform, Jambon said that people would adapt to the new system and hinted that more women could work full-time in the future. His words provoked a sharp reaction from unions, opposition parties and women's rights organizations. Experts warn that in the short term, the reform could widen the existing gap between men's and women's pensions. Women currently receive lower pensions on average because they are more likely to work part-time or take career breaks.
Unions say these concerns are fueling discontent among workers and have helped organize protesters for a national demonstration in Brussels. Organizers expect tens of thousands of people to join the march, demanding changes to pension reform and social policy in general.
Despite the criticism, Jambon defended the reform and stressed that changes were inevitable. He said Belgium's aging population requires the pension system to be adapted to remain financially sustainable in the long term. The minister also said that certain career breaks - such as maternity, paternity and sick leave, will continue to be recognised in the calculation of pension rights.
According to the government, the aim of the reform is not to punish women, but to encourage longer and more stable careers for all. In the long term, according to Yambon, higher employment could even help to reduce the gap between men and women's pensions.
The controversy over the reform also reflects wider concerns about government policy. Union leaders believe that workers are being asked to work longer while at the same time facing changing working conditions and weaker social protection. They say the pension reform has become a symbol of an overall weakening of social rights.
The public discontent is also increasing political pressure ahead of a parliamentary vote on the pension law, which is expected later this year. Some parties and civil society organizations are pushing for changes to the bill to protect part-time workers and recognize the work associated with caring for loved ones.