Swedish politicians from across the parliamentary parties have indicated a ‘broad willingness’ to strengthen pensions, according to Skandia.

The pension company held its Parliament of the Elderly, which included representatives from all parliamentary parties ahead of the upcoming election.

In its seventh year, the Swedish Parliament for the Elderly brought together politicians and pensioner organisations to discuss the issues that are impacting the country’s elderly population.

Several of the parties highlighted the need for higher pensions, with increased contributions and strengthened basic protections among the proposals discussed.

“It is clear that pensions will be an important issue in the election campaign,” commented Skandia pension economist, Mattias Munter.

“Several parties want to strengthen pensions, but the proposals look different. Regardless of which promises in the pension area become reality, a longer working life for more people will still need to be the focus for better pensions in the future.”

Munter noted that this meant investments in the work environment, conditions for transition, and addressing ageism in the labour market would also be important pension issues.

“When pensioners make up about a third of the electorate and almost half a million more people are expected to retire during the next term, these are issues that affect a great many people,” he added.

The Swedish Parliament for the Elderly was held at Skandia’s offices and included representatives from all eight parliamentary parties, alongside SPF Seniors, PRO and SKPF Pensioners.

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