COGNICURRENT

The article discusses the most popular debates on Altinget in January, focusing on various political topics including pension reforms and the Norwegian monarchy.

The article discusses recent reforms to judicial pensions in Latvia that increase the required service years and adjust pension calculations, raising concerns about possible corruption due to lower benefits.

The South Korean government and ruling party are considering reforms to the basic pension system, including differential payments for low-income seniors and potential reductions in the number of beneficiaries.

A recent Italian television report highlights emotional stories about the pension system while discussing political divides over necessary reforms.

Despite a decline in participants, the value of assets in Open Pension Funds (OFE) in Poland is reaching record highs, prompting discussions about their future and potential reforms.

Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that José Ángel Gurría receives a significant pension, which she aims to eliminate as part of her administration's reforms.

Latvia's political parties are reviewing a retirement pension reform for judges and prosecutors initially rejected by the president, seeking additional assessments as prompted by his feedback.

Czech Minister of Labor Aleš Juchelka affirmed that promised pension reforms will proceed quickly, despite warnings about their potential negative impact on the state budget.

Retirees in Argentina are suffering due to reducing pensions and ineffective government reforms amidst a declining economic situation.

A new report warns that upcoming government reforms in Germany's pension and care insurance systems could impose a costly burden on future generations.

Finnish retirement age has significantly increased, with the average retirement age reaching 63.2 years last year due to several reforms.

The article discusses the need for pension reforms in Finland, highlighting the challenges faced by future governments regarding pension cuts and fiscal balancing.

The Croatian Pensioners' Party and the Union of Retirees criticize the amendments to the pension insurance law, while Secretary Ivan Vidiš claims the reforms have significantly improved the situation for retirees.

In the first month of reforms, 4,868 participants were deregistered from pension accumulation due to severe health conditions, while 7,162 took advantage of the option to end their accumulation, with an average withdrawal amount of 5,251 euros.

Johannes Winkel, leader of the Young Union, highlights significant savings potential in social welfare, advocating for reforms in pension and social state to enhance efficiency.

Former Labor Minister Walter Riester has sharply criticized the pension level, calling it misleading and urging a more fact-based discussion on reforms.

Former Labour Minister Walter Riester sharply criticizes the pension level as misleading and calls for a more objective discussion on reforms, while also condemning the SPD in the current pension debate.

Junts has announced its opposition to the anti-eviction moratorium, jeopardizing the government's social shield decree as it simultaneously seeks support for pension reforms.

The Spanish government has agreed to present pension reforms in a single decree as requested by the opposition and leftist partners, despite previous setbacks in Congress.

In Spain, the number of retirees who continue to work while receiving a pension has increased by 9% in 2025, driven by legal reforms allowing flexible retirement and the combination of active retirement with pension benefits.

Chancellor's Office Minister Thorsten Frei has tempered expectations for significant reforms this year, emphasizing a focus on the pension system while reassuring that some major social reforms will be implemented by the end of 2023.

Martin Kupka, a frontrunner to succeed Petr Fiala as the leader of the ODS party, emphasizes the need for the opposition to act constructively while preventing any deterioration of pension reforms.

The 'New Basic Security' reform is unlikely to cause harm, but it fails to address significant shortcomings after a troubled season of reforms.

The 'New Basic Security' reform, following a failed 'Autumn of Reforms', is unlikely to cause additional harm but leaves apparent deficiencies unaddressed.

Bärbel Bas, co-chair of the SPD, has denied any interest in running for chancellor in 2029 and expressed concerns about voter awareness of the party's values while addressing upcoming pension reforms.

The article discusses the tension and consequences surrounding economic debates in Germany, particularly involving the AfD party, heat pump technology, and pension reforms amidst rising populism.

The Dax index surpasses 25,000 points for the first time, highlighting Germany's pension issue as a political wake-up call for necessary reforms.

The UK is implementing significant reforms to its pension systems in 2026 aimed at simplifying processes and enhancing savers' control over their retirement funds.

The article discusses the increasing retirement age in Italy, particularly highlighting changes in pension exit options and their impact on different generations.

In 2026, new retirees will begin using a pension calculation method that allows them to discard their two worst contribution months, with full implementation expected by 2037.

Slovenia is implementing significant legal changes starting January 1, 2026, including reforms in pension and labor laws, increased minimum disability pensions, and new rules for older workers.

From January 1st, new laws on spatial planning, construction, and energy efficiency take effect, alongside pension insurance reforms, including the abolition of penalties and new criteria for supplementary work in healthcare and cultural identification.

Croatia will see significant changes from January 1, including pension reforms, an increase in minimum wage, stricter traffic penalties, and more flexible working conditions linked to pensions.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the retirement age will be raised by two months compared to 2025 as part of ongoing pension reforms approved in 2011.

The government faces pressure to maintain the pension age amid political promises and recent conflicts over pension reforms.

In 2026, the minimum wage in Germany will increase, while the cost of the Deutschlandticket will rise, along with various reforms affecting pensions and taxes.

A large YouGov survey across six European countries reveals that while a majority of Europeans believe their national pension systems will soon become financially unsustainable and that current pensions are too low, they oppose key reforms such as raising the retirement age.

A significant majority of Europeans believe that their state pension systems will soon be unaffordable, despite feeling that the current benefits are inadequate and resisting major reforms like raising the retirement age.

The CDU-affiliated Economic Council is calling for a fundamental shift in pension policy, advocating for a later retirement age and reforms inspired by the Scandinavian model to stabilize the pension system amid demographic changes.

The European rating agency Scope warns that Germany may lose its top credit rating if pension reforms are not implemented due to the challenges posed by an aging population and related expenditures.

A recent poll reveals that Germans largely support pension reforms yet express distrust towards political figure Merz.