Doris Bianchi’s bold plan to reform Switzerland’s struggling social security

Can Switzerland’s new social security chief fix its funding crisis? Bianchi’s 100-day plan targets mental health pensions and tax reforms.

, and Administrator

2025 November 28 . 7:09 AM

1 min read

In the image there are few men with helmets and goggles. They are riding bicycles. Behind them... — In the image there are few men with helmets and goggles. They are riding bicycles. Behind them there are railings with banners. And also there are few people standing. In the background there are buildings with walls, pillars, windows and flowers.

Doris Bianchi has led the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) for around 100 days. She brings experience from her time at the Swiss Trade Union Federation, where she worked on labour law and pension policies. Now, she is addressing key challenges in Switzerland’s social security system.

Bianchi sees social partnership and compromise as vital for the country’s welfare system. She supports aligning early retirement ages in the second and third pillars with the Old-Age and Survivors’ Insurance (OASI) rules. However, she does not believe raising the retirement age is necessary right now, citing a strong job market and recent AHV 21 reforms.

The Disability Insurance (DI) scheme faces growing financial strain, particularly from rising disability pensions among young people with mental health issues. To stabilise funding, Bianchi proposes additional revenue sources, such as higher payroll contributions or VAT increases. In 2017, she suggested financing disability pensions through tax coverage.

For young claimants, she recommends temporary support and intensive coaching rather than long-term benefits. Her approach aims to balance financial stability with effective social protection.

Bianchi’s proposals focus on securing the DI system while adapting to changing needs. Her background in labour and pension policy shapes her strategies for reform. The next steps will depend on political discussions and funding decisions.