The new Dutch minority coalition has been urged to ‘cherish stability’ during the transition to the new pension system following the publication of its economic agenda agreement.

PME Pensioenfonds executive board chair, Alae Laghrich, highlighted that the Dutch pension sector was in the midst of transitioning to the new pension system, with many already completing the transition.

While he noted that stability during this phase was crucial, Laghrich warned that the coalition’s agreement would affect several aspects of the Pension Agreement.

These aspects included the long-term suspension of indexation of the maximum pensionable salary, the accelerated increase in the state pension age, and plans for unemployment benefits (WW) and disability benefits (WIA).

“My advice to The Hague is therefore: cherish stability,” Laghrich said. “The transition to the new pension system requires a smooth transition.

“By providing stability on social issues now, we maintain support and people can look to the future with confidence.”

Alongside this, Laghrich said he saw plans for defence, nitrogen, grid congestion, the energy transition, investments, and Europe as “promising”.

However, he warned that a thriving economy needed a solid foundation, with financial security being essential and pensions forming part of that foundation.

“Fortunately, I see sufficient starting points in this agreement to get started, but there are also issues that require careful consideration,” Laghrich added.

“The coalition agreement offers both opportunities and areas for improvement. As PME, we are at the heart of society.

“We stand by our participants, who rely on security, and we recognise the important role of employers who invest in innovation and employment. The two go hand in hand.”

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