Should the retirement age in Poland be equalized? Rzeczpospolita poll

A recent poll conducted by IBRiS for Rzeczpospolita reveals a significant public aversion to equalizing the retirement age in Poland, particularly if it entails raising the age for women. The findings indicate that a substantial portion of Poles do not support such a move, suggesting a preference for maintaining or even lowering the current age thresholds.

The survey highlights a nuanced public opinion on the matter. While a notable segment of respondents (37%) outright opposes equalizing the retirement age, a considerable number (22%) believe the age for men should be lowered to 60, aligning with the current age for women. Another 18% envision a common retirement age of 63, which would mean a reduction for men but an increase for women. These figures underscore a public sentiment that leans towards maintaining or reducing the retirement age, rather than increasing it across the board.

Interestingly, experts cited in the article argue that there are no strong economic or social justifications for maintaining a lower retirement age for women. They perceive the current disparity as a form of discrimination. However, this expert opinion appears to diverge from the broader public's inclination, which seems more concerned with preserving existing benefits or even seeking earlier retirement, especially for men.

Furthermore, the poll indicates a minimal appetite for higher retirement ages. Only about 9% of those surveyed favor an equal retirement age of 65, and an even smaller fraction (under 5%) support 67 years for both genders. This data suggests that any proposed reform to raise the retirement age, especially for women, would face considerable public resistance in Poland. The debate over retirement age reform is clearly a sensitive issue, deeply intertwined with social expectations and political preferences.