The news in Portuguese
O aumento das pensões em Portugal foi adiado para esta semana. Os partidos discutem as propostas de aumento , com o Partido Socialista (PS) e o Partido Social Democrata (PSD) em desacordo. A maioria dos reformados deve ganhar mais. O governo quer que o aumento cubra a inflação . Pensionistas aguardam a decisão.
Translation
The increase in pensions in Portugal has been postponed to this week. The parties are debating the proposals for an increase, with the Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) in disagreement. Most retirees are expected to receive more. The government aims for the increase to cover inflation. Pensioners are awaiting the decision.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: Which parties are involved in the pension increase discussions in Portugal?
The Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) are involved in the discussions.
Question 2: What does the government want the pension increase to cover?
The government wants the pension increase to cover inflation.
Exercise: Vocabulary
Read the full story
▌27/11/2024
The debate over the proposed pension increases in Portugal has been further intensified following the postponement of the vote in the country's parliament. Initiated at the request of the Chega party, the proposals from various parties, including adjustments suggested by the Portuguese Socialist Party (PS), will now be considered later this week. This delay has sparked a mix of reactions among political factions and the public.
The original schedule had set the vote for Tuesday, during a session of the Budget and Finance Committee. However, the rescheduling to Thursday, which marks the final day for discussions, has led to a heated exchange between the PS and the opposition party, the Social Democratic Party (PSD). The primary contention revolves around accusations of political opportunism and irresponsibility, with each party blaming the other for exploiting the matter to their advantage.
Despite the political back-and-forth, the proposed adjustments have garnered attention due to their potential impact on pensioners. According to data from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, over 90% of retirees are expected to benefit from pension increases that outpace the inflation rate projected for 2025. Specifically, pensions valued at up to two Index of Social Support (IAS) levels are set to rise by approximately 3.8%, whereas pensions between two and three IAS levels are expected to see an increase of about 3.25%.
Portuguese Pension Increase Vote Postponed amid Political Tensions (Illustration)
For pensions ranging between three and six IAS, the estimated rise stands at 2%, supported by the regular adjustment formula. Meanwhile, pensions between six and twelve IAS could see a modest 1.75% increase. Those above twelve IAS might not experience any increases. The forthcoming announcements on Portugal's economic growth and inflation figures by the National Statistics Institute will play a crucial role in finalizing the pension increment percentages.
The proposals to increase pensions form a key part of the amendments to the national Budget for 2025, underpinning the governing party's economic strategy. The PS's suggestion for an additional uplift of 1.25 percentage points for pensions up to three IAS underscores the government's aim to align pension growth with, or above, inflation levels.
As the parliamentary committee prepares for the crucial vote, both the government and opposition parties are urging for prudent decision-making. Amidst the political manoeuvring, many Portuguese pensioners await the outcome, with their future financial security hinging on these parliamentary decisions.
Info: 'Portuguese Learner News' is a service from 'Let's Learn Portuguese', which is a language school dedicated to teaching the Portuguese language. We offer various types of online Portuguese language course to suit different learning preferences and levels.
