Retirement changes a done deal - Duda signs bill

One of President Andrzej Duda’s signature campaign promises came fully into effect on Monday, as Duda signed the bill which will lower the official age of retirement in Poland to 65 for men and 60 for women.  “The matter [has been] treated as extremely important,” said the President just after signing the Act, the Polish press reported. The bill, which has been controversial in its direct reversal of policy by the previous government, was passed in the Lower House of Parliament in November 2015, prior to first reading, which took place at the beginning of December. The Senate approved it in early December. This rule applies to both public and agricultural pension systems. It also allows for the possibility of early retirement at age 55 for women and 60 for men. Retirement for judges and prosecutors will depend on the time worked in these occupations. The law will take effect from October 1, 2017.