By Fidel Rendón Matienzo on August 3, 2025
photo: periodico26
While Trump is making cuts in benefits for the poorest he is moving forward on spending $200 million to build a ballroom in the White House. Meanwhile the Cuban government with its blockaded economy is set to increase the pensions of retired workers.
Although the partial increase in pensions starting in September now covers 1,324,599 people, or 79% of beneficiaries, the measure offers some hope for many retirees and pensioners due to disability or the death of a spouse.
In the week that just ended, and in accordance with Social Security Law 105, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) confirmed that the right to retirement is at age 60 for women and 65 for men.
This clarified the provisions of the aforementioned legal norm in response to doubts, misinterpretations, and false news that had been circulating on social media.
However, legitimate and logical concerns among pensioners and retirees have also proliferated in recent years, as the most vulnerable, with their low incomes, have struggled to cope with inflation, high and abusive prices, and the rising cost of living.
This is now a partial increase, as a comprehensive reform cannot be undertaken at this time, given that we do not have the financial resources, explained Manuel Marrero Cruz, Prime Minister, when announcing the decision at the recent Fifth Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People’s Power.
We have started with those who are most vulnerable. The continuity of pensions will continue to be gradual, as the economic situation allows,” said the head of government.
Its implementation requires an increase of 22 billion pesos per year in Social Security spending, a significant amount considering the adverse conditions in which the Cuban economy is operating today.
It is therefore an expression of political will to care for those most in need and to give due recognition to those who reach retirement age after several decades of creating wealth or providing services for the benefit of the people and society.
Through legal provisions such as Law 105 on Social Security, the State guarantees adequate protection for workers, their families, and the population, and reaffirms the constitutional principles that women and men enjoy equal rights, duties, and guarantees, as well as the same opportunities and possibilities.
From his account on X, Manuel Marrero Cruz wrote:
“We are pleased with the people’s response to the decision to increase pensions. We know that there are some doubts about those who receive less than 1,528 pesos, who are included in this benefit, and their pension will be increased by 1,528 pesos.
“In the coming days, the Minister of Finance and Prices, Vladimir Regueiro, will make an appearance to report on the details of the measure, its scope, and how it will be implemented starting in September,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Source: ACN, translation Resumen Latinoamericano – English