Pensioners initiate individual lawsuits against the state, the Association also warns of collective lawsuits

The state has so far ignored the legal requirement according to which every year pensions must be increased as much as the rate of inflation. After that, the pensioners started to file a lawsuit and the representatives of the association that represents them also warned of a collective lawsuit

Pensioners complain that the state is not implementing the law, which foresees an increase in their monthly income as much as the percentage of inflation.

They say that the category that receives a total of 100 euros per month is facing the most difficult increase.

"In 2022, inflation was 11.6 percent. But if the pension had increased by 11.6 percent, we would have a slightly better pension. So the 100 euros you give to a pensioner is like giving them a 'candy'. What works for 100 euros. Fraud. Because we are old people, we are not easily deceived, that's why we want the monthly pension so that we can live a normal life", said pensioner Asllan Asllani.

Pensioner Fazli Aliu has emphasized that it is the government's responsibility to increase pensions depending on the increase in prices.

"They gave her 100 euros each, but she is a glutton. Medicines cost me 100 euros a month, you don't have any medicine without 5 or 6 euros", said Aliu.

The law on pension schemes requires that the harmonization of pensions with the cost of living is done once a year, increasing the amount of pension to be paid by the same percentage based on the previous year's Cost of Living Index.

The Ministry of Finance did not show the reasons for non-fulfillment of legal requirements, regarding the increase of pensions in accordance with the rate of inflation.

also Arberi 18 May 2024 The application for increased pensions is "conditional" on membership in the association

And, in the Association of Pensioners of Kosovo, they indicated that in the absence of answers from the institutions, the state will now be sued.

"We have now started the lawsuit procedure individually, but we will also do it collectively. As an institution, I have an obligation to advocate for the rights of pensioners, therefore, on behalf of the association, I will file a lawsuit in the Basic Court in Pristina to respect this law", said Njazi Gashi, president of Pensioners of Kosovo.

In Kosovo, basic old-age pensions are given in the amount of 100 euros and contributory pensions that are around 200 euros.