Moroccan Retirees Network Demands Pension Increases and Adoption of a Sliding Scale System to Tackle Rising Cost of Living
The Moroccan Retirees Network today called for the adoption of a sliding scale pension system to keep pace with the continuous rise in prices and the cost of living. The network emphasized the necessity of increasing pensions by no less than 2000 dirhams to enhance retirees’ purchasing power.
This demand was made in a statement issued by the National Coordination Committee of the network, which held its meeting last Thursday. During this meeting, the committee conducted a thorough analysis of the current situation of retirees, considering that exempting their pensions from income tax is an insufficient step to improve their living standards. The committee described the government’s decision to exempt retirement pensions from tax as a “clear trick and systematic evasion” of retirees’ real demands, noting that more than 90% of these pensions are not subject to tax in the first place.
Among the other demands presented by the committee were raising pensions to at least match the minimum wage (SMIG), and reviewing laws that prevent pension increases in line with employee wage hikes. The committee also called for enabling widows to fully benefit from their husband’s pension and increasing the compensation rates for medical treatment, medications, and health coverage to 100%.
Additionally, the committee urged the establishment of retiree representation in the administrative councils of pension funds and the provision of preferential benefits including transportation, entertainment, travel, and housing at a rate of no less than 50%. The committee also called for the implementation of previous agreements, notably the April 26, 2011 agreement, and the resolution of all pending files related to both common and general categories.
In concluding its statement, the committee appealed to the government and relevant authorities to eliminate all forms of exclusion and marginalization of retirees and their beneficiaries, stressing the importance of the government’s commitment to achieving social justice that encompasses all groups, especially retirees who suffer from low purchasing power and marginalization.
