By: C. R.
At the press conference, MP Andrej Hoivik spoke about the draft law proposed by the SDS Parliamentary Group to repeal the Act on Exceptional Recognition and Determination of Old-Age Pensions for Persons with Special Merits (ZIPO).
The ZIPO Act, adopted in 1974, enables the granting of old-age pensions to individuals deemed to have special merits for the state, without clearly defined or verifiable criteria.
Such a provision represents a systemic deviation from the fundamental principle of pension legislation, which is based on the length of insurance periods and the amount of contributions paid.
In a modern democratic and social state that is founded on equality before the law, such legal provisions are unacceptable. At a time when we are facing pressures on the sustainability of the pension system, an aging population, and pensions that are too low for the vast majority of retirees, it is essential to eliminate all unjustified privileges – which this law currently allows.
The ruling coalition has adopted a new Act on Pension Supplements for Exceptional Achievements in the Field of Art (ZDPIDU), which does not abolish these privileges but rather expands them. More than 47,000 voters have submitted a request for a subsequent legislative referendum on this law, which will take place on Sunday, May 11th, 2025.
If the majority of voters on May 11th vote against the law on pension supplements for exceptional artistic achievements, then – based on the clearly expressed will of the people – the law on pensions for individuals with special merits should also be immediately repealed.
At the press conference, MP Andrej Hoivik emphasised that the SDS Parliamentary Group is also proposing a compromise solution to the government. “The last Janša government increased one-time awards for athletes for Olympic medals – from bronze to gold – by as much as 100%. We propose that the current government, if necessary, do the same for cultural workers and artists. This is very simple: it only requires amending one article in the Prešeren Awards Act.”
The SDS Parliamentary Group believes that repealing the ZIPO Act will contribute to greater transparency and fairness in the pension system. At the same time, it will strengthen citizens’ trust in the equal treatment of all citizens without privileges.
