👉 The "pensions weapon" refers to a policy strategy where governments or political actors threaten to reduce or eliminate public pension benefits, often as a means to pressure opposition parties, gain political leverage, or enact broader fiscal reforms. By jeopardizing the financial security of retirees, it aims to create public discontent and force concessions from opponents. This tactic exploits the emotional attachment many have to stable retirement income, leveraging it as a tool for political influence. While it can be an effective short-term strategy to sway public opinion or legislative action, it risks long-term social and economic instability by undermining trust in government and exacerbating inequality.
