Rome, 20 November (Adnkronos/Labitalia) – “In recent years there has been a lot of talk about pensions but unfortunately very little has been done, especially for workers with medium-low incomes. The contribution system has replaced the salary system, but we have not seen any real flexibility. Indeed, the flexibility provided is rigid and reserved only for the wealthier categories.” This was stated by Paolo Ricotti, national president of Acli Patronato, when speaking at the “Previdenza Next Gen” seminar in Rome.
Ricotti therefore calls for the need for a “flexibility package”, allowing people to choose when to retire: “It is important to allow retirement between the ages of 63 and 65 with a minimum of 20 years of contributions, as in the evolution of the Early reforms. Of course with reductions, but with the possibility for each person to decide whether to choose more free time or more income. This is true flexibility, which is possible in the contributory system but currently does not exist”.
Ricotti underlined how experimental measures in recent years have had only minimal impact: “Quota 103, in 2024, was only used by 1,100 people in Italy. A clear sign that this is not a truly accessible option,” he said. President Acli Patronato then warned about the consequences of losing minimum pension contributions. “When a work career is interrupted due to loss, illness or injury, today a pension of 100 or 200 euros per month is paid: an unsustainable amount. Without a guaranteed minimum pension – he added – we do not respect article 38 of the Constitution, which requires the State to ensure adequate means even in the event of adverse events. We must restore the minimum level that guarantees a dignified life”.
