In the streets of the capital and Rose-Hill, yesterday, retirees, future beneficiaries, precarious workers and young citizens were numerous to express their anger, their disappointment and their feeling of betrayal in the face of a reform that they consider in total break with electoral promises and disconnected from social realities. From Roche-Bois to Goodlands, via Coromandel, New Grove, Lallmatie, the many demonstrators – whether they are housewives, manual workers, fathers or students – denounce a decision perceived as unilateral, brutal and unfair, taken without consultation with the population. Many claim to have planned their future on the basis of the current retirement age and express anger, concern and a sense of betrayal. Many also mention an imbalance between the efforts required of ordinary citizens and the benefits maintained for former elected officials. All agree on the same claim: to preserve an acquired right for the most vulnerable.
While I agree that the change shouldn’t be sudden but if you think practically, as the average life expectancy has increased to almost 85 years, it seems fair to work till at least 65. People who are protesting for getting pension from 60, what is their plan post retirement? Go to other countries like Vietnam and Singapore, people are extremely hard working and work till almost 75-80. They are healthier, fitter and live with pride rather than just taking pension and doing nothing.
If you are disabled and unable to work, then it makes sense but if you are healthy, capable of working, why would you even want to retire and sit at home?
People who are protesting saying that they had planned a future based on the retirement age of 60, the only future they can probably give you is, sit at home, relax, play with grand kids if any, and enjoy life. In today’s time, 60 is too young to stop working and honestly no one should retire at this age unless you are physically unable to work.