And in doing so, it would consider reforms of both the tax system (code for raising the consumption tax to increase revenues) and the social security system (meaning, cutting benefits and services from unsustainable levels and increasing payments by retirees and other beneficiaries).

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Ironically, the government may stand to benefit, as it could increase the spread of time where these workers contribute to the Social Security system before taking benefits.

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Social Security's actuaries assert that a two-percentage-point increase in payroll taxes would render the system solvent for another 75 years.

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The impact on the Social Security system of a 1% rise in unemployment is far greater than that of a 1% increase in the inflation rate.

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