Two more Hausner package laws to reach Parliament in mid-April

The first bill would raise the age of retirement for women from 60 to 65, on a par with that of men, although the change would only come into effect gradually from 2014. Furthermore, this draft law would also change the rules under which pensioners can work and alter disability benefit provision. Meanwhile, the second of the bills would raise social security contribution rates for the higher earning self-employed. At present all self-employed persons can choose to pay contributions on a minimum assessment base of 60% of the average salary, although this would be significantly raised for those with higher incomes should the law be enacted. (Parkiet, p. 6) T.J.