A new message in the government’s attempt to reach a solution on pensions and thereby save the spring change budget for the government may be underway at the last minute.
Minister of Social Insurance Ardalan Shekarabi (S) has a press conference this morning ahead of a meeting of the Riksdag’s pension group.
“Things will happen” claims a person familiar with TT but does not want to say more than that.
The pension group is called to a meeting immediately after Shekarabi’s press conference, which will be held at 07.
During the morning, the Finance Committee in the Riksdag will also lock in the positions ahead of the debate and the vote on the Government’s spring amendment budget on Wednesday. In it, a question of increased pensions is the most debated part.
Had contacts
Contacts have been going on during the weekend and according to information to TT, the pension group was called to a meeting late on Sunday evening at very short notice, but it was canceled.
On the table are both the government’s proposal, which is supported by the Social Democrats, the Liberals and the Liberal Party, and the right – wing opposition’s alternative pension increase.
The government’s proposal will lose unless C votes in favor.
C has criticized the government proposal for a so-called guarantee supplement, but has not given final information on how the party should vote. Instead, C’s economic-political spokesman Martin Ådahl hopes for a compromise proposal at the last minute.
Was postponed
On Thursday, Ådahl asked the Finance Committee to postpone its position until Monday. He then hoped that a broad compromise between the parties in the so-called pension group could be reached during the weekend.
In the pension group, where S, M, C, KD and L sit, it is intended that all changes to the pension system should be anchored.
But no meetings between those parties have so far taken place over the weekend.
However, according to information, negotiations have taken place between the government and C. The government has also had continuous contacts with V.
The goal is to find a compromise proposal that can receive majority support in the Riksdag.
Added new
Minister of Social Insurance Ardalan Shekarabi (S) presented a compromise proposal on 1 June. But M, KD and L thumbs down.
The compromise proposal entails, among other things, an increase in the guarantee pensions, which is intended to apply from August. It is instead of the criticized guarantee supplement that the government proposed in the spring amendment budget.
If the government succeeds in gaining support for the compromise proposal, possibly with changes, there will be no time. The part that deals with increased guarantee pensions already this year must first be presented to the Finance Committee before the Riksdag can make a decision.
The question is whether the committee has time to consider the proposal clearly for the Riksdag’s vote on Wednesday.
Facts
Suggestions that have been on the table
The proposals that were on the table until yesterday were –
Government:
The guarantee pension is permanently increased from 1 August.
The increase is SEK 1,270.
This gives a new guarantee level of SEK 10,049 for single people.
The strengthened employment tax deduction for people over 65 who work is extended
Investigate a “gas” in the pension system that increases pensions in good economic times
Counter-proposal from M, KD, SD and L:
The guarantee pension is increased by SEK 600 per month from October, for everyone with a general pension below SEK 14,000.
Increase the housing supplement by SEK 350 for single people and SEK 175 for cohabitants.
The tax on pensions will be reduced for everyone on 1 January 2023.
For those with a total pension income of more than SEK 14,000, the reduction will be SEK 200 a month.
Introducing a “gas” in the pension system
Sources: Ministry of Social Affairs, committee initiative from M, KD, L and SD
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