WILLEMSTAD - During the budget treatment for 2024, PAR presented a motion to increase the pension of all AOV (old age pension) pensioners, based on the 1.8 million reserved. Although coalition members signed the motion, they voted against it. As a result, this motion was not approved.
Minister Larmonie indicated that she will maintain her position, stating that only pensioners receiving AOV can be considered for the additional increase. This leaves out a large group of people, individuals who also live below the poverty line. Furthermore, Mrs. Larmonie stated that the AOV law prevents the indexing of pensions, so in the coming years, pensions will not be indexed either.
The PAR faction is of the opinion that this issue is too significant to be addressed solely during the budget treatment. As a Parliament, we need to have a comprehensive discussion about AOV and the decisions the Government has made and will make regarding AOV. A total of 51,000 people receive AOV, which is more than a third of our community. Just as there is a perspective on the increase in support, an increase in the minimum wage, we need to create an action plan for everyone receiving AOV, regardless of whether they have one or more pensions.
On Tuesday, March 5, Parliament will deliberate with Mrs. Larmonie on this topic to formulate a direction that includes all AOV recipients and not just a specific group.