Increase in Belarusian Pensions Lacks Practical Implementation

In a move aimed at providing relief to pensioners, the Ministry of Labor in Belarus has approved an increase in labor pensions by an average of 5%, effective from September 1, 2025. However, the real impact of this increase on the living standards of pensioners remains questionable, as prices continue to soar across the country.

According to recent data, food and services prices in Belarus have seen the fastest increase, with food prices rising by 10.6% and services prices by 7.6% year-on-year in July 2025. Non-food goods prices, on the other hand, increased by a more modest 3%. These price hikes outpace the pension increase, with consumer prices rising by 7.4% in the same month.

The average monthly pension for retirement in Belarus is expected to reach 980 rubles after the increase. However, with inflation accelerating at a rate of 7-10%, the real income of pensioners is on a downward trend. The increase in pensions, therefore, remains only on paper, while in the pensioner's wallet, it's more of an illusion due to inflation.

It's worth noting that not all pension increases are created equal. Retired athletes who have achieved outstanding sports achievements receive special pensions in Belarus, which can significantly exceed standard retirement payments. The details of these "elite" pensions are not specified in the official reports on the increase in labor pensions.

The comparison between "elite" and ordinary pension increases would be unfavorable to social justice. While the exact amounts of these "elite" pensions vary depending on the level of achievement and official regulations, it's clear that the increases for ordinary pensioners fall short in the face of rising prices.

The article does not provide information about the reasons for the second pension increase in 2025 or any specific changes to the pensions of "elite" groups following this increase. The total cost of the September pension increase is 2.2 billion rubles, with an additional 107 million rubles spent on this increase.

In conclusion, while the pension increase may provide a temporary relief, it does little to address the real income decrease faced by pensioners due to inflation and price hikes. The disparity between "elite" and ordinary pension increases raises concerns about social justice, and the long-term effects of these policies on the living standards of pensioners remain to be seen.