In turn, governmental parties shot back that the opposition is resisting all possible measures.
Social Democratic MP Kari Rajamäki told Parliament that the solution to the current global economic crisis will not be found in merely raising the retirement age. He also slammed the government's plans to raise taxes.
"The first aid offered out of the government's medicine chest is only the undermining of social and pensions security and raising taxes on consumption. However, despite economic growth, we will need a re-prioritization of spending and a reorganization of the public services system in order to reduce the deficit, and especially action to increase the number of employed," said Rajamäki.
Centrist MP Mika Lintilä commented that the Social Democrats have started shooting at anything that moves. He urged the opposition to wait for reports on policy issues from working groups that include representatives of the state, employers' groups and trade unions.
"During the preliminary debate we appealed to the opposition to give their support to these working groups. Of late, the message has been something else. You Social Democrats have concentrated only on rejecting proposals and putting the brakes on the work. You have become the party of 'no', that doesn't see a need for reforms and opposes anything that might trouble someone. Get back to using some sense in your politics. It's called taking responsibility," Lintilä argued.