WILLEMSTAD – Member of Parliament Ishahier Felipe Monte of the MFK faction has expressed support for the government’s decision to increase AOV pensions, while cautioning that rising prices could undermine the intended benefits for citizens.
Monte welcomed the measure to raise AOV by 100 guilders, along with plans to gradually increase payments to between 1,400 and 1,500 guilders per month by 2029. He also praised the temporary 100-guilder relief provided over three months to vulnerable groups in response to global geopolitical pressures affecting the cost of living.
According to the MP, these steps represent a positive move toward improving the financial situation of pensioners and individuals earning less than 1,500 guilders per month. He emphasized that retirees deserve stronger support to meet daily expenses.
However, Monte stressed that the broader economic context must be taken into account. He warned that if prices continue to rise at the same time as pensions increase, the real purchasing power of citizens may see little to no improvement.
He pointed out that while the policy may appear beneficial on paper, in practice many people could remain in the same financial position—or even worse off—if inflation is not addressed. “If income goes up but prices rise as well, the benefit becomes limited,” Monte stated.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions in Curaçao Parliament over how to balance social support measures with broader economic realities.