The government of Congo-Brazzaville approved, during its last council of ministers last week, its bill raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 for civil servants. But the measure is variously interpreted by the Congolese, because while some say it was a request from those who wanted extensions, others say that most citizens will not be able to ” work until age 65 “.
With our correspondent in Brazzaville, Loicia Martial
The measure concerns category 1 civil servants, who represent the bulk of the civil service workforce. She is greeted by Anne-Marie Nzila, president of the Union of Trade Unions of Congo:
” It is first of all a demand from the workers. Retirement at 65 is a dated claim. It’s a good thing for those who ask for extensions from time to time, so there will be no more extensions. It’s a good thing for the social security funds that will be bailed out. It is also a good thing for young people who will start to enter the world of work “, she rejoices.
This civil servant, who preferred to remain anonymous, believes that the measure has a dual economic and social impact: “ Economically, the longer you work, the more wealth you create and you can invest in other sectors. “, he says.
But the measure is far from appreciated by Mereck, a young civil servant, who thinks that the general conditions of life of the Congolese do not allow many of them to last beyond 60 years: ” There is a negative side because, when I look at most Congolese, it is difficult for them to work until they are 65 “, he notes.
According to the government bill, the age limit for admission to retirement is increased from 65 to 70 for executives placed outside the category.