Under unchanged policies, the increase in aging-related expenditure will already start to bite in earnest around the end of this decade. Consequently, time for reform preparation and implementation is running out quickly. Specifically in the pension system, equalization of the male and female retirement age and pension indexation to inflation only (rather than both inflation and wages) could be considered. Most important, drawing from the experience of other countries, a specific “fiscal rule” that automatically links the retirement age and/or pension benefits to life expectancy could be introduced. Such a rule would reduce the need for repeated and often difficult reform discussions. In the health care area, recent reforms, including with respect to hospital financing, are welcome and should be carefully monitored. Further strengthening of coordination mechanisms, including across government levels, could facilitate the design of additional measures.

 IMF