Uruguayan government confirms differential increase for minimum pensions

The Uruguayan government confirmed that it will implement a differential increase for those receiving minimum pensions, in response to the efforts promoted by the National Organization of Retirees and Pensioners (Onajpu). This decision follows a series of telephone and video calls between representatives of the Executive Branch and leaders of the organization.

According to sources close to the negotiations, a formal proposal has already been submitted and will be reviewed by Onajpu's board of directors in the coming hours.

The organization's demand calls for an additional 3% increase for pensions under $20,057, which in concrete terms would be equivalent to an increase of approximately $600 per month. However, the government has reported that the amount offered would be lower.

This Thursday, Secretary of the Presidency Alejandro Sánchez publicly confirmed that the increase will be implemented, although he declined to specify the percentage. During an interview on Radio 41 in San José, he stated that "the President of the Republic's decision is for these increases to occur."

According to Sánchez, the Executive believes it is necessary to apply a specific adjustment for the most disadvantaged retirees, something that has not happened for five years. He also indicated that the Ministries of Labor and Economy are working on defining the final amount, which will depend on budget availability.

In total, an estimated 140,000 people currently receive minimum pensions in Uruguay. This group includes retirees and pensioners whose incomes are below the established threshold and who, in many cases, struggle to cover their basic monthly expenses.

Onajpu insisted that the requested increase seeks, at least, to recover some of the purchasing power lost in recent years. The expectation is that the measure can be implemented in the short term and that it will set a precedent for future adjustments based on equity criteria.

The announcement was met with interest by retirees, especially those in the most vulnerable situations. Although details regarding the final percentage have not yet been confirmed, the reinstatement of differential increases represents, for many, a change from previous years, when general increases were applied without addressing the most affected segments.

In the coming days, Onajpu is expected to announce its official position on the proposal, after analyzing it internally. Meanwhile, discussions with government authorities continue to define the scope and conditions of this measure.