A discussion on the withdrawal of second-level pension savings for medical treatment took place in the coalition

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The Union of Greens and Farmers (UGF) proposes allowing people to use funds accumulated in second-level pensions to cover medical expenses, but "New Unity" is convinced that opening the pension law during the election period would be irresponsible. A similar opinion was expressed by the "Progressives."

As stated by the head of the "New Unity" parliamentary faction, Edmunds Jurēvics, his party's position has not changed - it would be dangerous and irresponsible to undertake changes to the pension law during the election period.

Although there are areas in the pension system that can be improved in the future, including the functioning of the second-level pensions, such as reducing fees, which has already been implemented in the current parliamentary term, these issues should be assessed carefully and in collaboration with experts in the field, social security specialists, and the Bank of Latvia, the politician said.

In Jurēvics's opinion, it is undesirable to open the pension system to political discussions in the election atmosphere without a comprehensive and responsible assessment, both for future pensioners and for current pension recipients. Parties should work on their programs and visions for the next political cycle, including pension issues, rather than making hasty decisions in parliament at this time.

Jurēvics added that thoughtless interference in the pension system during the election period could have serious long-term consequences, and therefore such actions could be considered irresponsible.

Currently, second-level pension capital can only be used upon retirement or in the event of the participant's death.

The Union of Greens and Farmers (UGF) believes that in conditions where the healthcare system is not in order and has significant shortcomings, where people cannot receive necessary medical assistance or timely obtain prescribed medications, a discussion is needed about using second-level pension capital for justified medical expenses.

According to the UGF proposal, the Cabinet of Ministers should establish diagnoses and other criteria for accessing funds from second-level pension savings.

The head of the "Progressives" parliamentary faction, Andris Šuvajevs, told the LETA agency that the "Progressives" still do not support opening the law before the elections due to the risk that politicians may make thoughtless decisions. The party also does not support the proposal to allow the withdrawal of accumulated capital.