Retirees denounce gov’t pension tax exemption as insufficient

Retirees have vehemently rejected the government’s recent decision to exempt pensions from income tax, asserting that it is a mere ploy to sidestep their demand for substantial pension increases to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

In a strongly worded statement, the Moroccan Network of Retirees dismissed the government’s move as an attempt to circumvent the genuine concerns of pensioners and those entitled to benefits. 

The network said that the tax exemption would have no significant impact on the purchasing power of over 90% of pensioners whose incomes are already below the taxable threshold.

The retirees accused the government of exacerbating socioeconomic disparities.

By implementing this policy, the government is effectively enriching the wealthy while further impoverishing the poor, the statement said. 

The network expressed deep disappointment that the government has chosen to disregard the sacrifices and contributions of retirees to the nation throughout their careers.

The retirees have vowed to intensify their struggle for fair and just demands, including substantial pension increases commensurate with the rising cost of living and a guaranteed decent standard of living. 

The retirees have also called for the elimination of all forms of discrimination and social injustice to ensure dignity and social equity for all.

The network called for a sliding scale for pensions, which would automatically adjust pension payments to keep pace with inflation. 

The retirees demand a minimum pension increase of MAD 2000 to ensure a more adequate income for retirees and a minimum pension equivalent to the minimum wage to guarantee a basic standard of living for all retirees.

The network called for the abolition of the law that prevents pension increases, ensuring that retirees benefit from any salary increases granted to active employees. 

The retirees demand full pensions for widows to ensure that surviving spouses receive the full pension of their deceased partners and increased coverage for medical expenses and other services to improve the health and well-being of retirees.

The retirees also called for representation of retirees on the boards of pension funds to give retirees a voice in the management of their retirement benefits and preferential treatment in areas such as transportation, recreation, travel, and housing. 

The network urges the full implementation of previous agreements between the government and labor unions, particularly the April 26, 2011 agreement.