WILLEMSTAD – Opposition party MAN-PIN is calling on the Curaçao government to immediately index the island's old-age pension (AOV), arguing that recent economic growth obliges the government to increase pension benefits under the law.
In a statement, the party pointed to figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) showing that Curaçao's economy grew by 5.1% in 2025. According to MAN-PIN, the National Ordinance governing the AOV requires pension benefits to be indexed whenever there is real economic growth.
"The indexation of the AOV is not a gift from the government or a political favor. It is a legal obligation and a right established by law," the party said.
MAN-PIN argues that the monthly AOV benefit should increase to 1,105 Caribbean guilders. The party also referred to a recent court ruling ordering the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) to implement the indexation, stating that the court clearly determined that adjusting the AOV is a legal obligation.
According to MAN-PIN, the government has attempted to justify delaying the increase by arguing that indexation could threaten the financial sustainability of the AOV fund.
The opposition rejects that claim, arguing that the real threat to the pension system is the government's failure to implement structural measures to strengthen the fund.
MAN-PIN says it has advocated for AOV indexation since 2025 and has repeatedly presented alternative proposals to generate additional government revenue without placing a heavier financial burden on residents.
The party insists that Curaçao's pensioners, who contributed throughout their working lives to the country's development, deserve to receive the benefits guaranteed by law.
"Indexation of the AOV cannot remain an empty promise. It must become a reality," the party concluded.