The government on Monday evening said a budget gap resulting from its decision not to retroactively (Jan. 1, 2016) eliminate a monthly bonus (EKAS) allocated to low-income social security beneficiaries will be covered through the national pension system, without going into too many details.
Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis made the statement during a television appearance, although he is not the relevant minister holding the budget or the social security portfolios.
Creditors have demanded a retroactive elimination of the bonus, a sum translated into 120 million euros for 2016. However, the leftist government has been extremely weary of deducting low-income pensioners’ regular monthly payments in order compensate for the five months in which they were awarded the bonus.
The prime minister and Cabinet members promised as much from Parliament’s podium, with a reversal – in the wake of yet another ratified austerity package – risking yet increased social discontent.
