A recent statement by Minister of Social Security Martine Deprez on pension fund contributions has drawn criticism from Luxembourg's main trade unions, who argue that her comments are inconsistent with assurances she gave them last week.

The Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) and the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB) have taken issue with a recent statement made by Minister of Social Security Martine Deprez in response to a parliamentary question. The trade unions argue that her remarks contradict assurances she gave to them during a meeting last week.

Minister Deprez's comments were made in reply to a question from MP Marc Baum of the Left Party (Déi Lénk), who enquired about the potential impact of removing the cap on social contributions on the pension system.

According to Deprez, lifting the cap on social contributions would generate over €700 million in additional revenue for the National Pension Insurance Fund (CNAP). However, the minister cautioned that this increase must be considered in context, pointing out that the higher contributions would also lead to an increased burden on the State budget. She added that, if the maximum pension were abolished at the same time, the additional revenue accumulated over a period of 30 years could be depleted within 15 years.

The OGBL and LCGB contend that these remarks contradict Deprez's statements made to the unions the previous week, during which she reportedly assured them that the government would enter pension discussions with an open mind and without preconceived notions. The trade unions now criticise Deprez for seemingly ruling out certain options, questioning whether the minister intends to dismiss any discussions about increasing revenues for the pension fund.