FARANG FOCUS

Mention pensions to a British expat and you are sure to start a conversation mired in controversy and anger. But to put all this into context consider the move recently by the French government to raise the retirement age for its citizens from 60 to 62. Greece too is being forced to revisit its retirement and benefit package whilst it struggles to survive. Even in the USA, company, state and federal employee pension benefits are coming under pressure as the economic situation at all levels deteriorates. With almost all the socialist European governments facing major debt problems, this move by the French may be only the tip of the iceberg for pensioners living abroad. Pensions, especially those for people who have chosen to live outside their home country are an easy target for government savings in a time of crisis. Recipients in this category are in a minority and are not "at home" to complain. Although the plea we publish below is for British Expats, maybe as time passes there will be more expat pensioner groups who will have a sabre to rattle.