Social Democrats urge for increased pensions on elections day

Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader Mircea Geoana argues that pensions might be increased starting with June 1, on the day local elections are held, since the government brags that the budget will be supplemented. Social Democrats also demand the introduction of the 13th pension, an Easter bonus and no tax on agricultural lands. Geoana adds that his party will support these policies within the Parliament and specialized commissions.

Thus, Social Democrats want to take advantage of the increased resources in the government’s budget and pressure for changes to increase their electoral capital. PSD leader announced that his party would lobby in the Parliament and specialized commissions so that policies be endorsed.

However, Liberal Labor Minister Paul Pacuraru declared last week that an increase of the pensions up to 45% of the average salary scheduled for January 1, 2009 has every chance to be applied as early as November this year, when Parliamentary elections will be organized.

Also on the Liberal camp, Economy Minister Varujan Vosganian declared on January 2008 that an increase in pensions constitutes an aggravating factor for the state’s budget.