No Cuts to Early Retirement Pensions: Portugal's Minister of Social Security Assures Stability

Minister's Assurance

Rosário Palma Ramalho, Portugal's Minister of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security, confirmed on Tuesday that there will be no cuts to early retirement pensions. She emphasized that while the government is exploring ways to enhance the sustainability of the Social Security system, acquired rights of pensioners will remain intact.

“I assure you that there will be no cuts and no detriment to the acquired rights of pensioners,” she stated firmly.

The Minister clarified that any discussions or recommendations will only come after thorough study of the issues at hand. She expressed confidence that Portugal's citizens can rest easy, knowing that their acquired rights will not be affected.

Focus on Sustainability

Ramalho highlighted the importance of making the Social Security system as sustainable as possible, stating that it is a shared goal. She mentioned the necessity to explore all potential avenues to achieve this.

“It is our duty to ensure the sustainability of the Social Security system, and that is what we will do,” she reiterated, noting that this initiative was prompted by recommendations from the Court of Auditors and is part of the government's program.

Political Reactions

The Minister expressed surprise at comments made by Pedro Nuno Santos, who accused the government of having a hidden agenda to cut acquired rights regarding pensions. Ramalho criticized his remarks, pointing out that they were made without a completed study on the matter.

“This is the first time I have seen the leader of the Socialist Party make anticipatory conclusions regarding a study that has not yet been conducted,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to evidence-based policy-making.

The Minister made these statements while arriving for the VII Summit Portugal-Cape Verde at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon.