Lukashenka: A man 60 years of age is a horse that can still work hard

It would only be fair if the retirement age was raised for everyone, Belarus President stated during the government conference held to discuss the development of the pension system.

“But we have to bear in mind all the factors: the life expectancy of men and women, peculiarities of rural and urban areas, working conditions in some industries and other factors,” said the head of state.

The President stated that the average life expectancy in the country has increased in comparison with the 1990s. “This is why 55-60 years is a normal age. If you tell a 55-year-old woman that she is old or a pensioner, she will be offended! But if we try to offer jobs to the same woman, the opinion changes for some reason. The same can be said about men. They keep their feelings to themselves. A man 60 years of age is a horse that can still work hard,” said the head of state.

“Let's talk about our famed law enforcement officers, who can retire at the age of 45 today. Over 90% of them can retire at 45 but what kind of pensioners are those?! I think it would only be fair if the retirement age was raised for everyone,” believes the President.

Aliaksandr Lukashenka noted that he is split between suggestions of the government in favor of raising the retirement age and the public opinion, which is against such a move, BelTA writes.