Polish retirement age sparks debate amid low pensions; international trends show rising ages.
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Discussions about retirement age in Poland generate strong emotions, despite clear signs that the current system is unsustainable; some commentators suggest PiS gained power due to previous pension reforms by PO-PSL. Historically, Poland raised the retirement age to 67 for both sexes in 2013, but PiS lowered it again in 2017, resulting in one of Europe’s lowest levels (60 for women, 65 for men). Minimum service requirements are 20 years for women and 25 for men, granting access to a minimum pension. However, over 430,000 people do not meet this requirement and receive minimal benefits, while the average ZUS pension is around 4,045 PLN gross, with significant gender disparities in amounts received. Government representatives deny plans to raise the retirement age, instead proposing options like “service pensions” allowing earlier retirement for those with long service. Encouragement exists for retirees to stay employed longer, evidenced by a “zero PIT for seniors,” which allows higher future pensions but restricts access to certain benefits. Specific professions have different retirement ages, such as teachers and military personnel. Globally, many countries are raising the retirement age due to aging populations; Denmark plans to raise it significantly, France faced protests over increasing it from 62 to 64 (though this was suspended), Germany is gradually raising its age to 67 by 2031, Spain aims for 67 by 2027, Croatia is aligning ages, Austria is incrementally raising the age for women, and Czechia is raising it from 65 to 67. Lithuania is unifying and increasing its retirement age towards 65 while requiring a minimum of 34 years of work for full benefits.
