13th Pension, Albania gives elderly hope

Besides the bonus, the elderly and other beneficial categories in Albania can receive a 13th pension at the end-year. Based on recommendations from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the measure of 13 will be the same as the elderly one has received throughout the year.

The thirteenth option is a must. And not in this case just the economic aspect, which shows that pensioners and boni are also viewed politically. They're all voters. I judge that conditions are ripe for the government to move. Despite being very late moves, as this political force has been in power for 11 years, however, remains to be estimated”, economic expert Teuta Nunaj tells A2 CNN.

The state budget is expected to raise around 25m euros more for the 13th pension. In discussions is whether this measure will apply to this year or 2025.

The “despite being very late moves, as this political force has been in power for 11 years, however, remains to be assessed. We hope it doesn't just remain as a public statement”, Nunaj says.

Another change expected to be reflected in the pension system from next year is that of easing ditches amid what pensioners in the village and the city contribute or receive or contribute.

There's a pay difference. There is also a difference in the pouring out of social contributions. In rural areas there has been and there is a lot of informality”, Nunaj says.

One in five Albanians today is elderly. Out of some 2.4 million total citizens, more than 473 thousand are over 65 years old. The World Bank, along with the International Monetary Fund, is helping the Ministry of Finance review the pension scheme.