19% of Madeira's Retired Population Lives on the Poverty Line

Nearly 14,000 Retirees Living on the Edge of Poverty

The Associação dos Reformados na Madeira (Association of Retirees in Madeira) estimates that nearly 14,000 retirees in the region are living on the brink of poverty. This figure represents approximately 19% of the 72,000 individuals in Madeira classified as being at risk of poverty.

Our members are experiencing significant financial strain, with some unable to put food on the table or pay for essential medications.

Jornal da Madeira

Call to Action from Retiree Advocacy Group

Baptista Monteiro, the spokesperson for the Associação dos Reformados e Pensionistas na Madeira, expressed alarm over the dire situation facing many retirees. "Our members are experiencing significant financial strain, with some unable to put food on the table or pay for essential medications," he said. The association, which comprises around 300 members, gathered at the central plaza of Avenida Arriaga to raise awareness.

This Association demands, among several measures, at least a 5% increase in pensions. (…) there are retirees and pensioners complaining about high rents and lack of money to go to the supermarket.

Jornal da Madeira

Political Promises Unfulfilled

Monteiro highlighted the lack of action from political leaders since the recent elections, noting that issues affecting retirees have not been addressed in public discourse. He recalled that during the campaign, prominent political figure Rui Montenegro frequently discussed the need to align lower pensions with the minimum wage. However, he lamented, "So far, nothing has changed."

Demands for Pension Increases

The association is advocating for several measures to alleviate the financial burden on retirees, including a minimum 5% increase in pensions. Monteiro emphasized that many retirees are struggling with high rents and insufficient funds for basic groceries. "We need to ensure that our voices are heard and that our needs are met," he asserted, calling on policymakers to prioritize the welfare of the elderly population.

Source: Jornal da Madeira