Summary:
€400 million allocated for pension supplements
Affects 2.4 million people in Portugal
Supplement tiers: €200, €150, €100 based on pension amounts
Minister Rangel defends the measure as socially responsible
Criticism from pension associations for being temporary
Significant Pension Supplement Announced
The extraordinary supplement revealed by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro at the Festa do Pontal aims to support pensions up to €1,527.78. This initiative is expected to cost around €400 million and will benefit approximately 2.4 million people, as stated by Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel.
Breakdown of the Supplement
The supplement will provide:
- €200 for pensions up to the Income Support Index (IAS) (€509.26)
- €150 for pensions between €509.26 and €1,018.52
- €100 for pensions ranging from €1,018.62 to €1,527.78
Government's Position
Minister Rangel emphasized the importance of this measure, asserting it balances social sensitivity with budgetary responsibility. He expressed confusion over the opposition's discomfort regarding this initiative.
Criticism from Pension Associations
Despite the government's stance, the supplement has faced criticism from pension associations. Isabel Gomes, president of the National Confederation of Retirees, Pensioners, and the Elderly, argues that what is truly needed is a 7.5% pension increase from the December value, with a minimum of €70. Similarly, Maria do Rosário Gama from the Association of Retirees criticized the measure as merely temporary and non-structural, highlighting that it does not address all pensioners adequately.
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