Why the retirement age for civil servants could be raised to 70 in Italy ?

Le ministre de l'Administration publique, Paolo Zangrillo, a suggéré que les fonctionnaires pourraient travailler jusqu'à 70 ans. MAXPPP – Stefano Carofei

Le ministre de l'Administration a indiqué que ce serait un choix volontaire et non une obligation. Cette mesure intervient alors que de nombreux services publics sont confrontés à des pénuries de personnel.

As Italian lawmakers prepare to examine the complex 2025 budget law, Public Administration Minister Paolo Zangrillo has suggested that civil servants could work until age 70, reports Corriere della Serra.

Not mandatory

However, he clarified that the three-year extension beyond the legal age would be voluntary, aimed at those who still feel they can contribute effectively to their sector. Accompanied by a bonus payment for this extension of their career. Italy, with an ageing population (average age 48 according to Eurostat), faces a shortage of staff in various public sectors, including education, justice and health.

In response to the inadequacy of public services, aggravated by an imminent wave of retirements, the measure could also ease the financial pressure on the pension system. Currently, Italy's debt stands at 137% of GDP, one of the highest in Europe. Italy is among the seven countries, along with France, Belgium, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovakia, subject to an excessive deficit procedure.

Strong reactions

Italian trade unions have reacted strongly to the proposal, fearing that extending the retirement age would have negative effects on those wishing to retire earlier and on the physical and psychological sustainability of workers in demanding positions. The minister said it was not an obligation but an additional option, a statement that did not allay all concerns.

The debate over the retirement age is also active elsewhere in Europe. In Germany, retirement is being gradually raised from 65 to 67, with discussions about a possible increase to 71. In France, the debate over raising the retirement age continues, with proposals varying between political parties and leaders, while the new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, is considering an “improvement” of the law without changing the retirement age.