The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is considering allowing civil servants to extend their careers until the age of 70 on a voluntary basis. This proposal, which could be included in the next budget plan, is sparking intense debate on the other side of the Alps.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, the Minister of Civil Service, Giovanni Zangrillo, confirmed that he had discussed with the Minister of Economy, Giancarlo Giorgetti, the "possibility of remaining active until the age of 70". He specified that this measure would be based on volunteering and accompanied by bonuses to encourage civil servants to extend their careers.
A transfer of skills
Currently, employees in the security and defense sector in Italy retire at 60, while other civil servants can retire at 65 with at least 42 years of contributions, or at 67. The new proposal aims to allow administrations to retain the experience of certain employees deemed strategic, thus facilitating a "transfer of skills" with new recruits. Civil servants who choose to remain active would carry out mentoring, coaching or respond to specific needs not otherwise covered.
The Italian government also plans to hire 350 young civil servants by 000, in addition to the 2025 recruitments already made in 173, to compensate for the retirement of one million people by 000. According to the executive, keeping voluntary civil servants active until the age of 2023 would guarantee "a lower social burden" during this transition period.
The proposal has drawn strong criticism from Italian unions. Maurizio Landini, leader of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), called the idea “madness,” saying it amounts to “using pensions to make money.” Pierpaolo Bombardieri, general secretary of the Italian Union of Labour (UIL), also voiced his opposition: “We cannot imagine asking people who have reached the age of 67 to stay in their jobs, even if it is presented as a voluntary option. They have the right and the duty to enjoy their retirement after many years of work.”
In France, some politicians have reacted to this measure. Clémence Guetté, LFI-NFP MP and vice-president of the National Assembly, declared on X (formerly Twitter): "The Italian far right wants retirement at 70." Manuel Bompard, MP and national coordinator of La France insoumise, added: "In Italy, once in power, Le Pen and Bardella's friends want retirement at 70."
However, it is important to note that the Italian government's proposal is voluntary and aims to provide flexibility to civil servants wishing to extend their careers, rather than imposing a general postponement of the retirement age.
