PM: indexing of pensions will resume in 2014

RIGA - Indexing of pensions will resume in 2014 as the government had planned, and pensions will not be indexed in October this year, Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis (Unity) said in an interview with LNT television today, when commenting Latvian Pensioners Federation's (LPF) statement that it could organize major pensioners' protests if pensions were not indexed this year.

LPF Chairman Andris Silins said in an interview with Latvian State Radio earlier this morning that pensioners were considering wide protests in order to draw the government's attention to pensioners' problems.

A signature drive is under way currently, and pensioners are to reach agreement on a nationwide pensioners' rally in Riga by April, "we have no other instruments," said Silins.

As reported, LPF council decided in February to start a signature drive so indexing of pensions could resume in October 2013. Residents below the retirement age are also encouraged to sign the petition.