Evaluating the Reform in 2015 and the New Reform Plan of the Government Employees Pension Scheme

Abstract

This study evaluates and suggests a new reform plan that overcomes the limitations of the Government Employees Pension Scheme (GEPS) reforms in 2015. Research results indicate that the reforms were insufficient in terms of financial sustainability, functional transparency, and equity. Debates on the GEPS reforms will continue until an equitable solution is found. The priority of the next reform plans should lie in the unification of public pension schemes. In contrast to previous reform proposals, this study suggests a reforms plan, which should result in not the parametric change but the structural change in GEPS. The distinctive point of the new reform plan lies in translating a single-tire into a multi-tire pension system. Accordingly, the new GEPS should consist of a 'National Pension Scheme (NPS)', occupational pension (additional pension), and retirement allowance. Newly appointed government employee officials should be enrolled in the NPS. This study stresses that inequality between the public pension systems will be alleviated and a pension system of social solidarity will be established when the NPS develops in to a basic old age income security system for all citizens including civil servants.