Albanian government announces bonus for pensioners after their protest in Tirana

By Fatjon Cuka and Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – The Albanian government on Wednesday announced a year-end bonus for pensioners, following their protest in the capital Tirana, where they demanded pension increases and improved social services.

Economy Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the bonus at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting.

However, the "Together Movement," which organized the pensioners' protest, rejected the bonus that Prime Minister Edi Rama had hinted at on Tuesday, calling it "crumbs."

The government has set aside €100 million (approximately $105 million) for the year-end bonus, Gonxhja announced after the Council of Ministers meeting.

He said €100 and €150 (approximately $105 and $158) will be distributed based on pension category beginning in December.

In September, the government approved a pension increase of 4.1%.

According to the data, the increase will benefit approximately 791,000 retirees across various categories.

Earlier, hundreds of pensioners gathered in Tirana to demand an increase in their pensions as well as improved social services.

Pensioners gathered in front of the Prime Minister's office, holding banners that read "Take your hands off corruption, increase pensions" and "Prices are increasing, pensions are decreasing."

Pensioners are even more outraged by the government's “tricks,” claiming that Rama cannot deceive anyone with "year-end crumbs."

Protesters will continue to demand a dignified increase in the minimum pension, threatening to spread to other cities if their demands are not met.