Title: Navigating Economic Realities: Iranian Retirees Advocate for Pension Reforms in 2026 Budget
In the context of national economic planning and social welfare policy, a significant dialogue has been initiated by Iran’s civil pensioner community. Retirees have articulated their concerns regarding the adequacy of their pensions in light of rising living costs, including expenses for food, housing, and healthcare. They state that their current income is insufficient to keep pace with the continuous increase in expenses.
A Formal Call for a 70% Pension Adjustment
A campaign titled “70% Salary Increase in 1405” has garnered the support of over 31,000 pensioners and beneficiaries. Initiated through an independent signature-collection platform, this movement has seen considerable engagement from retirees across various backgrounds. Its primary stated objective is to draw the attention of the government and legislators to the critical living conditions of retirees, a situation attributed to the significant rise in the price of goods and services in recent years.
Core Demands of the Pensioner Community
The campaign outlines three key requests:
- A minimum 70% increase in pension payments.
- An improvement in the managerial structure and performance of the country’s pension fund.
- The strengthening of supplementary medical insurance coverage.
The retirees have also provided commentary on the performance of pension funds over the past decade, calling for greater financial transparency, effective oversight, and accountability from responsible officials.
Official Communication to National Authorities
In a formal statement addressed to the President, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the Head of the Planning and Budget Organization, retirees have requested special attention to their needs during the formulation of the upcoming year’s budget bill. They have emphasized that a “70% salary increase is a necessity that prioritizes preserving the human dignity of retirees.”
Historical Context of Pension Adjustments
An examination of statistics indicates that over the past decade, the average annual pension increase for civil retirees has fluctuated between 15% and 25%. However, when measured against the high rate of inflation, these adjustments have reportedly been insufficient in improving the livelihood of this group. Consequently, the gap between retirees’ expenses and income has widened.
Comparative Table of Pension Increase Trends
| Year (Solar Hijri) | Percentage Pension Increase | Average Inflation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1399 | 20% | 44% |
| 1400 | 25% | 50% |
| 1401 | 20% | 46% |
| 1402 | 18% | 40% |
Future Policy Directions for Pensions
Based on established planning procedures, the final decision regarding the pension increase for the year 1405 will be determined within the framework of the national budget bill. Given the pressures related to the cost of living, the retirees’ advocacy highlights the importance of this upcoming budgetary decision for national social policy.