NSC leader Pieter Omtzigt is on a collision course with pension funds. The funds want to invest billions of euros in housing, infrastructure and climate transition, but only on the condition that the future of the pension system is not tinkered with, writes EW. In doing so, they are kicking against Omtzigt, who wants to stop the large-scale reforms.
It was previously announced that pension funds would like to invest billions in the energy transition in the Netherlands ‘under certain conditions’. It was still unknown at the time what amount this would involve and whether other sectors could also expect investments. According to EW, the amount would be between 25 and 30 billion euros. It is striking that the deal was allegedly closed by informants Elbert Dijkgraaf and Richard van Zwol.
NSC objects
The VVD in particular wants the reforms to be maintained. PVV and BBB would rather see the new pension system go completely, but according to the newspaper they have rejected their barriers. NSC, led by Omtzigt, is still reluctant. That party profiled itself on the pension issue during the elections.
Also read | Omtzigts NSC fears the implementation drama of the pension law
NSC MP Agnes Joseph previously stated that she feared an ‘execution drama’, because people who fall under the old system have to ‘enter’ the new system. The party believes that permission must first be obtained from people who already receive pension benefits. However, the new rules have already been finalized and approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Changes under pressure
But now that only NSC is offering opposition, he is being put under pressure from the pension funds. EW reports that Omtzigt, together with Joseph, had discussions with the Pension Federation, which had previously been allowed to sit at the formation table. That organization, led by chairman and VVD member Ger Jaarsma, would ‘subtly hint that NSC had better accept the situation’, writes EW. A later email exchange also hinted at the withdrawal of the investments that pension funds are prepared to make in society.
Also read | Largest pension fund warns: ‘Amendment of pension law is absolutely undesirable’
