Opposition SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader Sokratis Famellos on Wednesday announced the submission of a joint proposal with New Left for the reinstatement of the 13th pension, abolition of the solidarity contribution, and the abolition/integration of the personal difference in pensions. He made this statement speaking to the Naftemporiki TV website.
"Parliamentary cooperation among progressive forces is a consistent choice because a united response is needed to this disastrous government," Famellos said, adding: "Today we are submitting a joint amendment, which will be discussed tomorrow in the Plenary."
He explained that "we worked together on an amendment that would bring back the 13th pension for all pensioners, abolish the solidarity contribution, and eliminate or integrate the personal difference, which currently prevents many pensioners from receiving increases."
He further said that "this is a correction to the Katrougalos law, which at the time was meant to protect pensioners receiving higher pensions from sudden cuts. Now that we have exited the fiscal constraints and increases are being given under a SYRIZA law, there is no reason to maintain the personal difference as a barrier to pension increases."
Famellos emphasised that the measure is not costly but "is worth 1.8 billion euros for the people, of which a third currently live in poverty."