Denmark is making headlines as it prepares to introduce the highest retirement age in Europe, increasing it to 70 years by the year 2040. This change affects anyone born after December 31, 1970, and builds on a policy initiated in 2006 that aligns the retirement age with life expectancy, revising it every five years. Currently at 67, the retirement age will rise to 68 by 2030 and 69 by 2035.
The new law was narrowly passed with 81 votes in favor and 21 against. However, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has hinted at potential future negotiations regarding this automatic increase in the retirement age, suggesting that the needs of workers should be carefully considered.
Many workers are raising concerns about the fairness of the increase. Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old roofer, expressed that the change is “unreasonable” for those in physically demanding jobs, stating that many have worked hard for years and deserve time to enjoy their retirement.
Around the country, protests have erupted, led by trade unions who argue that a higher retirement age undermines the dignity and quality of life for seniors. Jesper Ettrup Rasmussen, a union leader, criticized the proposal, pledging to fight for workers' rights to a dignified senior life.
Comparatively, other European countries have varying retirement ages, with countries like Italy at 67 and the UK slowly increasing from 66. In France, a more controversial shift to 64 years sparked massive protests earlier this year. As European governments wrestle with budget deficits and rising life expectancies, Denmark's measures reflect a growing trend, but they come at a steep price for many workers.
