Retirees in Thessaloniki Protest Against Pension Cuts and Rising Living Costs
Dozens of retirees gathered on Thursday outside the National Social Security Agency in Thessaloniki, Greece, to protest against years of pension cuts, increasing living costs, and soaring medication expenses. The demonstrators voiced their concerns about the impact these financial pressures are having on their daily lives.
Among the primary demands of the protesters is the abolition of the personal difference deduction. This formula, which offsets pension increases by deducting previously overpaid amounts, has left many retirees with negligible or no real gains from their pensions, further exacerbating their financial struggles. In addition, they are calling for the reinstatement of EKAS, a benefit that provided assistance to low-income retirees, which was scrapped in 2016.
In the face of rising inflation, the protesters are also seeking inflation-based pension adjustments to ensure their pensions keep pace with the increasing cost of living. They believe that without such adjustments, their purchasing power continues to diminish, leaving them vulnerable.
Another critical issue highlighted by the protesters is the demand for a cap on health insurance contributions, suggesting that these contributions should be limited to no more than 4% for primary pensions. This change is seen as essential to protect retirees from escalating health-related expenses.
Other grievances included calls for the resolution of unfair rules concerning widow's pensions and a stop to the rising costs associated with medication, which retirees claim further erodes their already limited income.
This protest reflects a growing discontent among Greece's senior population, who are increasingly struggling to maintain a decent quality of life in the face of harsh economic realities. As the voices of these retirees grow louder, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to their pressing concerns.
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