Skopje, 14 August 2023 (MIA) - Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, following Monday’s meeting with representatives of pensioners from all across the country, said that all demands submitted to them will be reviewed and together in dialogue with the Union of Pensioners’ Associations, will create further policies and measures for pensioners with a special emphasis on those with lower pensions, and in the direction of ensuring a decent life for all citizens.

During the meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Policy Jovanka Trenchevska, the representatives of pensioners presented their demands including linear increase of 3,500 denars to all pensions, continuation of alignment according to the new methodology established last year, determination of the minimum pension in the amount of 80% of the minimum wage, increase of the financial reimbursement for mobility and care by another person and guaranteed minimum assistance, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy said in a press release.

Trenchevska listened to demands of the pensioners and opened discussion in this regard whereat she noted that pensioners and improving the quality of life of seniors is a government’s priority and this is confirmed by the facts that since the appointment of this government, the issue of increase of pensions and ensuring a decent life for all, was first addressed, reads the press release.

“Last year, through a transparent process, together with the Union of Pensioners’ Associations and the Party of Pensioners, we adopted the new methodology that ensures alignment with the cost of living and the average wage. It is the most realistic pension increase. It is a systemic solution that enables the constant growth of pensions,” Trenchevska said.

The latest changes to the Law on Pension and Disability Insurance, which entered into force in March 2022, and introduction of new pension alignment methodology, the pensions increased by 21% by alignment with combined model of 50% average wage rise and 50% of the increase of costs of living.

“The first alignment was 6.8% in September 2022, the second was 8.4% in March 2023, and the current projection for September 2023 amounts to at least 6%. Together with the pension harmonization in January 2022, it is an increase of around 24%,” reads the press release.

Trenchevska underlined that the initiative for improving the quality of life of pensioners originated from the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the government supports it.

“In March, April and May 2022, all 330,000 pensioners received financial assistance of 3,000 denars, and pensioners with low pensions were also part of the financial assistance package for vulnerable categories of citizens, i.e. they received assistance of 3,000 and 6,000 denars, depending on from the pension amount. The government continues subsidizing electricity for all citizens, including pensioners. Pensioners with low incomes, through the Ministry of Economy, can receive subsidies for electricity up to 1,000 denars,” the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy said in a press release.

Trenchevska also said that good policies ensured stability of the Pension Funds and pensioners receive regularly and early payment of pensions.

Photo: Ministry of Labour and Social Policy