Denmark has officially raised its retirement age to 70, making it the highest in Europe. The new law, passed by the Danish parliament on Thursday with 81 votes in favour and 21 against, will take full effect by 2040 and apply to anyone born after 31 December 1970.
The Nordic nation has linked retirement age to life expectancy since 2006, with adjustments made every five years. Currently set at 67, the age is scheduled to climb to 68 in 2030 and 69 by 2035, before finally reaching 70.
While lawmakers argue the reform is necessary for economic sustainability in an ageing society, the move has sparked debate across Denmark. Critics, including blue-collar workers, argue that the policy disproportionately affects those in physically demanding jobs.
“We’re working and working and working, but we can’t keep going,” said Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old roofer, in an interview with Danish media. “It’s different for those with office jobs.”
Last year, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of the Social Democrats hinted that the policy might need rethinking.
“We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically,” she said, suggesting a more flexible and humane approach could be on the horizon.
Denmark now faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the wellbeing of its workforce.
