From the monthly bonus compensations, the expert explains how the scheme is expected to be adjusted…

The new pension compensation scheme, which began implementation in January this year, has caused a wave of confusion and dissatisfaction among citizens. However, according to economic expert Teuta Nunaj, there is room for optimism regarding the future of the bonus and the adjustments expected in the coming years.

Although it has been discussed that the monthly compensation could replace the bonus, Nunaj believes that in 2026 there will still be a year-end bonus, regardless of the amount provided. “In my view as an expert, the scheme is not fair because it differentiates and separates groups: some citizens benefit, others do not. People feel this is an unfair distribution model.

Those who have contributed more over the years and had higher salaries now feel ‘persecuted’ because they do not benefit, while those with fewer contributions receive compensation.

This is creating a kind of ‘communist equality’ where pensions are equalized regardless of contributions,” she said. When asked why the Ministry of Finance might have implemented such a division, she explained: “The reason is the government’s objective. The aim is that within its mandate (by 2029) an average pension of 40,000 lek is achieved for the full old-age pension category. Therefore, no extra funds are given to those who have already reached this goal. The target ceilings (government objectives) are: 40,000 lek for full old-age pensions, 22,000 lek for partial pensions, 18,000 lek for family and rural pensions, and 30,000 lek for disability pensions. Compensation is provided as state budget support to achieve these figures, not based on contribution.”

The Bonus

The expert stated that there will be a bonus this year, as many pensioners did not benefit from the current compensation due to exceeding the set ceilings. “This large group of individuals creates a necessity for a form of reward, such as the bonus. For many categories, the total collected from the monthly compensation over 12 months is lower than the previous bonus of 15,000 lek.

For example, those receiving 600–1,000 lek per month in compensation end up at the end of the year with less than the previous bonus amount. The expert predicts that 2027 will bring a better distribution model. Since this compensation model is being applied for the first time, decision-makers are expected to learn from the problems encountered this year. In 2027, corrections are expected to avoid the ‘surprises’ that citizens experienced this year when they discovered they were not beneficiaries. The policy between the bonus and compensation will be adjusted to ensure a fairer distribution.

What Rama announced

It should be recalled that Edi Rama announced that this year pensions would increase every month, in addition to the annual indexation. “In the coming years, the same amounts will double for each category in 2027, triple in 2028, and quadruple in 2029, to reach the value promised in June of this year, when Albanians gave us 83 mandates,” Rama stated. According to the Prime Minister, these reforms have brought the country to a point where pension increases are achieved without jeopardizing the state’s financial stability. He also recalled that for years the government has shown restraint, avoiding hasty increases to protect public finances.

“KORÇA BOOM”