Croatians Divided Over Larger Veterans' Pensions
Starting January 1st next year, around 200,000 veterans will receive increased pensions, and the law amendments also bring changes for 27,000 active military personnel and police officers.
Starting January 1st next year, around 200,000 veterans will receive increased pensions, and the law amendments also bring changes for 27,000 active military personnel and police officers.
The Government of the Republic of Croatia has presented amendments to two laws that will increase pensions for approximately 200,000 Croatian veterans starting January 1st next year. The changes will also affect 27,000 active military personnel and police officers, with details presented at a press conference by ministers Tomo Medved and Alen Ružić.
Under the new calculation, the minimum pension for the combat sector will no longer be calculated at a rate of six cents per day of participation but will instead amount to three euros per month. This represents an increase of approximately one euro per month compared to the current situation. For members of the non-combat sector, an increase of half a euro per month is planned.
The supplement to the pension based on time spent in the combat sector also increases significantly. One year will bring 36 euros per month, three years 108 euros, and five years as much as 180 euros per month. Additionally, the allowance for caregivers of 100% Croatian war veterans with disabilities will also be increased. The total annual cost of these amendments is estimated at 88.5 million euros, and according to the current plan, funds will be secured through reallocation within the state budget.
In the regular section "We Ask You" on the portal Danas.net.hr, citizens shared their thoughts on the announced changes. Some welcome the decision but simultaneously call for greater transparency to avoid potential abuses.
"I agree, but let them be real veterans, not those who spent the war period in America or Europe and now boast about their merits," said Ksenija. Her stance is shared by Zlatka, who says: "Yes, but open the registry. Let the truth be seen."
On the other hand, there are those who believe this measure should have been taken earlier. "This should have been done long ago. Our veterans deserve it because thanks to them we have our free Croatia," assessed Ivana.
However, not all comments were solely supportive. Some citizens question the fairness towards other socially vulnerable groups. "Why in Croatia do only veterans live off pensions? What about the elderly, the disabled? Don't they deserve such an increase in pensions?" asked Žana.
