Minister of Social Security Martine Deprez insisted the government has "shouldered its responsibilities" by choosing to reform the pension system through longer careers and higher contributions.

The government has defined a path for its pension reform by choosing to extend working lives and increase contributions – an approach Minister of Social Security Martine Deprez describes as shouldering its "responsibilities".

While falling short of the five-year extension suggested by Prime Minister Luc Frieden last May, the reform, unveiled on 3 September, confirms a logic of extending careers. The specific adjustment could be up to eight months. "We are now of the mindset that we will have to work longer," Minister Deprez confirmed in a Wednesday morning interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio.

She defended the government's decision from the previous week, stating, "We've shouldered our responsibilities and haven't done nothing." Although she acknowledged that discussions are "never finished" and will need to resume in 2030, she explained that a decision was necessary as the opinions of the social partners were drifting further apart. "Had we seen them coming closer together, the discussions would certainly have continued," Deprez clarified.

The government now aims to advance quickly by publishing a draft law to implement the reform by 1 January 2026 – the year the pension system is projected to begin running a deficit.

This approach has drawn criticism from social partners, who expressed disappointment with the government's method of consulting them before deciding unilaterally, rather than seeking a thorough compromise. Michel Reckinger, president of the Luxembourg Employers' Association (UEL), argued that the reform fails to solve the system's deep-seated problems and called for more ambitious measures to reduce spending. The trade unions have launched internal consultations and are expected to share their official position on Thursday.

While unions believe the national social model is at an impasse, Minister Deprez offered a more nuanced view. She acknowledged the model is potentially under scrutiny but noted that the third round of talks had, in fact, brought the social partners closer. She cited this progress as a demonstration that respectful discussions are possible, expressing optimism that the social dialogue can be repaired.