Swiss Pension System
On 24 September 2017, Switzerland will hold a referendum on the "2020 Pension Reform" project. Both chambers of parliament have agreed on a major overhaul of Switzerland's old age pension scheme, including raising the retirement age for women and a slight increase in benefits. The reform includes increasing the pension age for women from 64 to 65 - in line with that of men - and a monthly increase of CHF70 for people retiring. Another measure is cutting occupational pension plans by reducing the so-called conversion rate from 6.8% to 6%.
132 participants from 16 institutions took part in the survey. 744 economists were invited to take part in the survey. Hence the current total response rate is 17.74 percent.
Reform 2020
What is your general assessment of the proposed 2020 Pension reform? Do you generally agree with the suggested reform or generally disagree? (in percent)
Retirement age
Traditionally, many countries have a fixed retirement age. Some countries are aiming to make their systems more flexible. Switzerland also wants to introduce more flexibility via the ‘2020 Pension Reform’ and stretch the admissible retirement age from 62 to 70 years with associated discounts (for earlier retirement) and premiums (for later retirements). What is your general opinion on such flexibility measures? ‘Fixed retirement ages should be replaced by such flexible options’ is a statement... (in percent)
Retirement age/reference Age
In Switzerland, the retirement age (reference age) for men is 65. The reform would also raise the reference age for women to 65. In addition, a future rise beyond 65 years is being discussed in order to mitigate other adjustment measures that may become necessary. What is your opinion? ‘The reference age should rise above 65 in the future’ is a statement... (in percent)
Benefit level
The envisaged pension reform in Switzerland provides for a reduction of the conversion rate applying to company pensions (2nd pillar) from 6.8% to 6.0%. Possible compensation for this reduction is being debated so that the total pension benefit level (AHV + company pension, or 1st and 2nd pillar) will not decline in nominal terms. What is your general opinion on the question whether nominal pension benefits levels should be maintained even when other stabilisation measures may be necessary? ‘The overall pension benefit level should not decline in nominal terms’ is a statement... (in percent)
Weighting of pay-as-you-go and capital-funded elements
The Swiss pension system is based on two elements: a pay-as-you-go and a capital-funded element. What do you think of the current balance? Would you change the weighting of the two elements or would you leave it unchanged? I would... (in percent)
About this survey
KOF is acting as a mediator between academic researchers and the public at large and its aim by this survey is to give a stronger voice to economics researchers. KOF categorises economic researchers as those economists from Swiss research institutions who have published scientificially. The survey was conducted together with SRF.
Contact
KOF Konjunkturforschungsstelle
Leonhardstrasse 21
8092
Zürich
Switzerland
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