Israeli Parties Pledge Gradual Pension Increases at Pensioners' Conference
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli political parties at a pensioners' conference pledged to gradually increase old-age pensions to up to 25% of the average wage. The Pensioners' Association, representing 1.3 million seniors, highlighted the need to address the rising cost of living. While some parties committed to phased increases and linking pensions to wages, concerns remain about the National Insurance Institute's financial stability, with warnings of a significant deficit and potential changes to benefit eligibility after the elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli parties promised to gradually raise old-age pensions to 25% of the average wage.
- The Pensioners' Association represents 1.3 million seniors and advocates for prioritizing their needs.
- MK Gilad Kariv supported a phased increase and maintaining the pension's universality.
- Yisrael Beiteinu proposed an initial 1,000 shekel increase followed by gradual raises.
- Concerns exist about the National Insurance Institute's financial stability and a potential deficit.
- Some government officials may propose changes to benefit eligibility after the elections.
Representatives from Israel's "change bloc" parties committed at a pensioners' conference in Tel Aviv to gradually increase old-age pensions, aiming for up to 25% of the average wage. The pledges were made in response to concerns over the erosion of pension values and the rising cost of living impacting senior citizens. The conference, held Sunday, was attended by dozens of pensioners and party representatives. Shmuel Mizrahi, Chairman of the Pensioners' Association, which represents 1.3 million pensioners, stressed the need to prioritize the needs of the elderly. Discussions also covered the amount of old-age pensions, the nursing care crisis, the need for national long-term care insurance, and combating loneliness among the elderly.
MK Gilad Kariv of the Democrats supported raising the old-age pension to 25% of the average wage and linking it to that figure, but emphasized a phased approach. He advocated for maintaining the pension's universality while providing targeted support for vulnerable populations and called for strengthening the National Insurance Institute by returning funds diverted to the treasury. The Representative of Yisrael Beiteinu, representing Yisrael Beiteinu, proposed an initial increase of 1,000 shekels, followed by gradual raises up to 25% of the average wage, linked to either the average wage or the consumer price index, whichever is higher. Representatives from the parties United Torah Judaism and Shas also expressed support for increasing pensions and maintaining their universal nature.
However, these commitments were presented at an election rally. The Pensioners' Association noted that the Likud, Shas, United Torah Judaism, Religious Zionism, and Otzma Yehudit parties had not presented clear platforms regarding pensioners' needs. The association stated it would monitor party commitments post-election and demand action from the next government. Amidst these pension increase promises, the National Insurance Institute's long-term financial sustainability is being questioned. Reports indicate that senior officials in economic ministries plan to propose changes to eligibility for benefits and potentially revoke benefits for those who evaded military service, citing warnings of an 810 billion shekel actuarial deficit and the reserve fund's depletion around 2035. No final decision on benefit cuts has been made, but funding and the institute's financial stability are expected to be key post-election discussions.
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