Skopje, 18 February 2022 (MIA) – The pension alignment methodology will change in order to find a model that ensures a sustainable long-term solution, agreed pensioners’ associations and the Government on Friday. The next meeting is set to take place in March, with the Government making the required simulations over the pensioners’ proposals in the meantime. Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi expects a solution by March 10 or even earlier. “We agreed that the alignment methodology should change. I believe that the model will be defined at the next meeting. I am pleased that the Union of Pensioners’ Associations and the Party of Pensioners showed solidarity regarding the various groups of pension beneficiaries. The Government will now make simulations in order to see the implications on the pension fund,” said Deputy PM Bytyqi after the meeting. He added that the pension fund is stable and revenues have increased, whereas the tendency is for this trend to continue. The model put forward by the pensioners’ associations considers the changes in the living standard and the average wage. Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jovanka Trenchevska said the system should provide security to pensioners. “We are creating a system whereby pensioners will be secured, whereas the increase of their pensions will not depend on anyone’s political will or elections. We are working on a long-term solution,” said Trenchevska. About 328,000 pensioners are set to benefit from the projected increase. Pensioners expressed satisfaction from the outcome of today’s meeting, hoping for a solution that is acceptable for all. “Today we are launching a process of discussions in order to come to a permanent model for alignment of pensions acceptable both for pensioners and the pension system, but also sustainable on the long term,” said Stanka Trajkovska, president of the Union of Pensioners’ Associations.