New party seeks pension rises through economic growth

Ago Kokser, founder of the Generations party, says it wants to represent older people and fund pension increases by reviving the economy and industry, rather than taking money from anyone else. He made the comments on ERR’s Vikerhommik programme.

The party held its founding meeting on Saturday and appointed an initial board. Kokser said about 390 people had expressed interest in joining, while more than 50 had completed formal membership applications in one day. He expects the party to reach the required 500 members next week.

Kokser said the party would represent people aged 55 and older through the end of life, while also involving other generations. He said older people had knowledge and experience to contribute, and wanted a voice in public life rather than being treated as a group that would be satisfied by a small pension increase. Estonia has more than 310,000 pensioners, he said.

Kokser said he had not initially planned to start a party. He had worked with pensioners’ organisations that together had more than 24,000 members, but said the government had stopped providing operating support, leaving organisations to seek project funding instead. After attempts to find a solution from officials and politicians went unanswered, the group decided to continue its work by forming a party.

Kokser has previously been a member of the Centre Party and the Reform Party. He said the new party would also address problems affecting young people, families and working-age people.