Israeli Parties Divided on Pension Increase Proposals
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Israeli political parties are divided on proposals to increase old-age pensions, with some favoring universal raises and others targeting low-income seniors. Yisrael Beiteinu suggests raising pensions to 25% of the average wage, while B'Yachad proposes differential increases for those earning under NIS 10,000. The Joint List supports a fixed legal increase for all, citing rising living costs. Several parties have yet to declare their position.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli parties differ on whether to universally increase pensions or target low-income seniors.
- Yisrael Beiteinu proposes raising pensions to 25% of the average wage.
- B'Yachad suggests differential increases for seniors earning under NIS 10,000.
- The Joint List advocates for a fixed legal increase rate for all elderly citizens.
- Several major parties, including Likud, have not yet stated their position on pension increases.
Israeli political parties hold differing views on how to increase old-age pensions for citizens, with some advocating for a universal raise and others preferring a targeted approach for low-income individuals. The issue is being examined by the non-profit organization 121 - Engine for Social Change.
Parties like Yisrael Beiteinu propose gradually raising the basic pension to 25% of the average wage, coupled with an indexation mechanism to the higher of the average wage or inflation. The Democrats support a universal increase and restoring the pension's linkage to the average wage, while also suggesting increased income supplements for those without pensions and an additional tax credit for pension earners. The Joint List advocates for a fixed legal increase rate for all elderly citizens, arguing that current pensions are insufficient for the rising cost of living.
In contrast, parties such as Yashar and B'Yachad propose a differential approach, focusing additional funds on those with lower incomes. B'Yachad aims to provide supplements to approximately 350,000 elderly individuals earning under NIS 10,000, with the largest increases for those earning below NIS 6,000, potentially doubling their pension. Yashar specifically identifies Holocaust survivors, immigrants with low pensions, and those historically supported by welfare services as recipients of additional aid.
Several parties, including Likud, Yahadut HaTorah, Shas, and Otzma Yehudit, have not yet presented a clear stance on raising old-age pensions. The article also mentions a tool developed by N12 in collaboration with 121 to help voters compare party positions on various issues.
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