Lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties are sparring over civil
servants’ pension today, with the DPP seeking to maintain the current system
while the KMT is pushing to revise it.

KMT legislative caucus secretary Luo Zhi-qiang stressed that his party is not
trying to reinstate the old system, but rather to stop the continued
reductions in pension payments for retired government employees.

Luo said the pension reform launched in 2018 has led to a serious loss of
talent in the public sector, adding that those affected deserve to have their
dignity and protection restored.

The DPP, however, has accused the KMT of trying to roll back the reform,
saying the party is attempting to use taxpayers' money to win favor with
specific groups.

It also stressed that once the pension reform is frozen, it will impose a
heavy burden on the national finances, potentially leading to the future
bankruptcy of the pension fund.

That means current government workers may not receive their pensions.

Two Legislative committees are currently reviewing the draft amendments
proposed by the KMT.

(JL)