Denmark Sets Record Retirement Age at 70 Amid Growing Discontent

Denmark has recently made headlines by establishing the highest retirement age in Europe, set at 70 years old by 2040. This decision has sparked significant backlash from the public and labor organizations.

Denmark's parliament has officially approved legislation raising the retirement age to 70, making it the highest in Europe. Following a trend established in 2006 to link the retirement age with life expectancy, the age was previously set at 67 and plans to rise to 68 by 2030 and 69 by 2035. The new regulation affects all individuals born after December 31, 1970, and was enacted with the backing of 81 votes in favor and 21 against.

The move has been criticized by some, including Social Democrat Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who suggests a reevaluation of the automatic increases in retirement age should occur. "We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically," she stated, emphasizing the importance of quality of life for senior citizens.

Public sentiment reflects a mixture of frustration and concern, particularly from those in labor-intensive jobs. Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old roofer, expressed the sentiment of many, stating, "We're working and working and working, but we can't keep going." His remarks highlight the challenges faced by blue-collar workers in aging professions.

Recent protests have erupted in Copenhagen, organized by trade unions that argue the increase is "unfair," particularly in a nation with a robust economy. Jesper Ettrup Rasmussen, from a major trade union confederation, insisted that “higher retirement age means that [people will] lose the right to a dignified senior life.”

As European nations adapt retirement policies to meet longer life expectancy, Denmark's decision stands out. Other countries, such as Sweden and Italy, have also adjusted their retirement ages, while France witnessed significant unrest over its recent pension age increase from 62 to 64.

The conversation surrounding retirement is far from over, as many citizens feel the effects of this contentious policy shift will reverberate long into the future.