AHV2030: symbolic politics instead of reform – criticism of Federal Council plans

With the guidelines presented for the AHV2030 reform, the Federal Council is focusing on symbolic policy and additional burdens for SMEs, the self-employed and family businesses, according to employers. Real solutions for financing are lacking, according to the Swiss Employers’ Association.

The Federal Council presented its proposal for the 2030 AHV reform today. As already feared in May 2025, according to the employers’ side, the package is based too much on symbolic politics and is at the expense of the economy. Family businesses, SMEs and the self-employed in particular are expected to make higher contributions, while substantial structural reforms are missing. Although the introduction of a political intervention mechanism in the event of a deterioration in the AHV fund is welcomed, it is not sufficient for sustainable stabilization.

Additional burden for SMEs and the self-employed

Measures declared as “modernization” mean additional AHV burdens for many companies. Self-employed people with low incomes will have to pay more in future2030

n. Daily sickness benefits would be subject to AHV contributions, and a new rule could mean that dividends that exceed a certain return threshold could be counted as wages, which would be a disadvantage for many family businesses and SMEs.

Smaller additional income against large deficits

The main criticism is that the measures will only generate a small amount of additional income, while the AHV is expected to run deficits in the billions from 2026. According to current forecasts, the deficit is growing year on year and is expected to amount to almost CHF 2 billion in 2030 alone. The proposals focus primarily on additional income, while structural elements such as an AHV debt brake are only mentioned in passing.

Structural change fails to materialize

The guidelines that have now been announced do not solve the underlying financing problem, but rather postpone it to future generations. If fundamental adjustments are not made while the contribution deficit continues to rise, new revenue will soon be needed. Employers are therefore calling for a comprehensive reform, including an increase in the reference age and a genuine debt brake for stabilization.

Positive signals regarding the AHV maximum age

There are also positive approaches among the planned measures: Employers welcome the improved incentives to continue working after the reference age and the abolition of the maximum AHV age. Although these improvements will help with the shortage of skilled workers, they will not solve the demographic challenges.

The AHV urgently needs far-sighted reforms: Symbolic policies and additional burdens for companies are not enough.

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