The French Polynesian president says unless the retirement system is reformed soon, pensions are no longer assured after 2020.
Photo: AFP
Edouard Fritch made the comment on television after the consultative body, the Social and Economic Council, overwhelmingly rejected a government plan to raise the retirement age next year from 60 to 62.
The proposal also requires those seeking to have a full pension to contribute to social security for 38 years and not for 35 as now, and also changes the terms for early retirement.
The plan is expected to be debated in the territorial assembly next month.
Mr Fritch says there has to be quick action to remedy the situation because any law change can be challenged and delay the implementation of the reform.
He says if there is no reform by the beginning of next year, in 2020 there will be no money for all the pensions.
The president says discussions are needed as he also keeps being asked by employees if they could stay on until the age of 65.