Former physics teacher Pashako, who receives a pension of around 29,000 lek, received an additional 5,000 lek from the government this month. But this money does not make her more optimistic that tomorrow will be better.
"Now, you live here and you know what the prices are like. It's pointless for me to make another announcement. For pensioners, it's just a pit. This is how those in power behave," the former teacher tells A2 CNN.
Starting this Monday, seniors who receive a pension of up to 20,000 lek will receive an additional 10,000 lek in the spring. Those who receive more than 20,000 lek in pension will receive an additional 5,000 lek as a bonus.
Former political prisoner Jashar Asini and saleswoman Flurura have benefited from 10 thousand lekë due to their low pension. But they are also unhappy: "They break down in two days. With the food that needs to be bought. They don't even come out for medicine. Last month I paid 150 thousand lekë for electricity alone. What a bonus, aman..."
While assessing the bonus as necessary, economic experts are calling for an increase in pensions to alleviate poverty among the elderly.
Romina Radonshiqi, an expert on the economy, emphasizes: "The bonus is given for one month and that's it. Okay, it's help, but it doesn't solve anything. They need something permanent. We don't need indexation anymore, but a real increase in pensions."
This bonus can be withdrawn until September 30 of this year. Meanwhile, for all pensioners who have not yet withdrawn their year-end bonus, the deadline to receive it is June 30, 2025. (A2 Televizion)
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