The Bulgarian Federation of Pensioners' Unions and Organizations (BFPSO), which represents the interests of nearly 2 million elderly people, announced its full support for the civil protests that led to the resignation of the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov. In an official position to the media, the organization defined the fall of the cabinet as the “legal finale“ of a government that has deepened social inequalities.
"The next government, whether ex officio or regular, must put social justice and the dignity of elderly Bulgarians at the center of its policies," the federation's leadership is categorical.
In their declaration, the pensioner organizations express trust in the presidential institution in the conditions of political crisis. According to them, Rumen Radev consistently upholds the principles of legality.
"In the difficult transitional moment after the resignation of the government, the presidential institution headed by him is a guarantor of the stability of the state and the protection of the interests of citizens, including the elderly", the document states.
The Federation updates its long-standing demands and insists that they be a priority for the new government:
Recalculation of all pensions based on the current average social security income. The organization emphasizes the enormous injustice, in which the difference between an old and a new pensioner with the same length of service and position reaches 35%.
Inclusion in the Tripartite Council. The pensioners demand a place in the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC). They define as unacceptable the absence of representatives of 2 million people from the negotiating table, while employers and unions have a majority of votes.
“Swiss rule“ from January 1. Pension indexation should come into effect from the beginning of the calendar year, and not from July 1, as is currently the case. A six-month delay harms older people who face winter bills and inflation without updating.
Guaranteed right to work. The ability of people of retirement age to work should not be limited.
The organization is issuing a clear warning that they will not tolerate any more neglect of their problems.
"We will not allow our demands to be ignored again. We will not accept half-hearted solutions. "We will not allow pensioners to remain the poorest and most abandoned group in society," the federation said, quoted by BGNES.