The Central Association of Pensioners (EKL) has responded strongly against recent proposals to cut pensions, labeling them as "unacceptable", "cold-blooded", "outrageous", and "alienated". These remarks came following suggestions by the Economic Policy Council, which indicated potential cuts to various pension categories, including those accrued from investigations, income-based unemployment benefits, widow's pensions, and parental leave. These cuts are proposed as a means to lower employment pension contributions or unemployment insurance premiums without affecting already accrued benefits.

The EKL emphasizes that such proposals are a clear indication of economic experts being completely detached from the realities faced by ordinary Finns. They argue that the suggestion to implement a so-called index brake on pensions by the Ministry of Finance could lead to significant financial loss for retirees, with examples showing that an individual receiving a pension of 1,800 euros could lose up to 2,200 euros over four years. This highlights the growing concern among retirees regarding their financial security and the sustainability of their pensions in the face of government austerity measures.

As Finland navigates its economic challenges, the backlash from EKL reflects a broader societal concern about how pensioners are treated in fiscal discussions. The strong language used by the EKL signifies that retirees are determined to fight these proposed cuts, emphasizing the need for policy-makers to consider the implications of their recommendations on the lives of millions of pensioners across the country.