VMRO-DPMNE: No plan to raise the retirement age, MP Dijana Ilievska says
Dijana Ilievska says the government maintains its position not to raise the retirement age and points to the budget's development measures and recent pension hikes.
VMRO-DPMNE lawmaker Dijana Ilievska said the government remains committed to not raising the statutory retirement age, framing the decision as part of a broader economic approach tied to the new budget.
Ilievska stressed that authorities have identified the problems and are taking targeted steps to address them. She argued the forthcoming budget includes measures that will strengthen development and help improve key economic indicators.
Party defence of recent pension measures
In her remarks, Ilievska said VMRO-DPMNE continues to pursue policies aimed at lifting living standards and protecting pensioners, whom she described as citizens who helped build the country.
She reminded the public that during their mandate pensioners received a uniform (linear) increase of 7,000 denars. Ilievska recalled the party's pre-election pledge and contrasted it with what was ultimately delivered.
"Before the elections we promised that we would do everything possible to secure a linear increase of pensions by 5,000 denars. Instead, the Government delivered even more and raised pensions linearly by 7,000 denars. Despite attempts by individuals close to SDSM and the opposition through initiatives before the Constitutional Court to challenge this measure, the Government remained consistent in its determination to protect the interests of pensioners and ensure a better standard of living. For households in which two members are pensioners, this means an additional 14,000 denars per month in the household budget," Ilievska said.
Her statement signals VMRO-DPMNE's continued defence of the pension increase and its rejection of proposals to change the retirement age, framing both as central to the party's social policy messaging ahead of future political debates.
Photo: press material from the event
