Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku stated on Sunday that pensions in Albania are lower than those in neighboring countries, with monthly indexation amounting to only Lek 900 (around Euro 10) per month.

In a video message posted in her social networks, Tabaku highlighted that the average rural pension in Albania is approximately Euro 125, while the average urban pension is Euro 209.

According to her, the average rural pension is lower than the minimum pension in Kosovo - which stands at Euro 150 - and also lower than the average pension in Bosnia, which is Euro 185.

"Today, pensions are lower than wages, while indexation is only Lek 900 per month - contrary to the government's rhetoric and propaganda. It is no coincidence that the average rural pension is around Euro 125 - falling below the minimum pension in Kosovo (Euro 150) and even below the average urban pension in Bosnia (Euro 185)," she added.

Tabaku further noted that the average urban pension in Albania is less than half of the minimum pension in Montenegro. “We cannot even compare ourselves to the rest of the region, and one of the reasons for this situation is certainly the high level of informality; for every old-age pension, there are only 1.36 contributions,” stated Tabaku.

She criticized the government’s pension policies, highlighting that over 800,000 pensioners are facing economic hardship. “A government that finds billions for a minority, while over 800,000 pensioners have to count every penny just to make it through the month - after a lifetime of work, they deserve dignity. This system leaves them in poverty,” the MP remarked.