“At the end of the year, there is a shortage of money in the kitty”, retirees from Lot-et-Garonne are mobilizing for the increase in their pension

There were around fifty of them, Place Armand-Fallières, in front of the Agen prefecture. These retirees have mobilized to demand an increase in their pension. “In Lot-et-Garonne, the average pension is €1,236, which is almost €300 less than the national average. This figure shows that many people receive much less,” underlines Serge Dezile, retiree. of the energy sector. At 69, he continues: “Since 2017, month by month, a retiree who receives €1,000 has lost €2,735. Today, nine trade union organizations have called for mobilization to defend our rights.”

Initially planned for January 1, 2025, the revaluation of pensions was postponed until July, a delay which is part of a tense budgetary context. “The average individual standard of living of retirees for 2021 is €2,188 compared to €2,428 for workers, assures the union activist. The government includes assets in its calculations. A retiree is more likely to have assets after his career than a young person just starting out, it's logical.”

“We are not wealthy”

On the square, the demonstrators want to show solidarity. “Our fight goes beyond our personal interests: it’s for everyone. It’s always the same people we attack,” protest Maryline and Christine, 68 and 71 years old. For his part, Henry, 86, came to support his comrades. This former teacher says: “They say that retirement is the good life. I don't necessarily agree. Indeed, I have finished paying off my house, but now I can no longer repair it and I have to call on professionals. It's not always easy to help our loved ones and give them gifts.”

“We are not wealthy, it is a fair return for what we have given,” emphasize the retired civil service workers. Angelo Dell'armi, 77, came from Bourgougnague, near Marmande, to participate in this demonstration. This former agent of the Departmental Directorates of Equipment (DDE) receives a pension of 1,200 euros per month. “But it’s not enough, it would take between 1,500 and 2,000 euros per month,” he estimates. And I haven't made any savings, I can't make any. At the end of the year, there is a shortage of funds in the kitty. »

A meeting with the prefect hoped for

Older populations more likely to need care. Serge Dezile indicates that not everyone “has the possibility of taking complementary health insurance”. This raises the problem of access to care, especially in a department marked by medical desertification.

The unions met the deputies and hoped for an interview with the prefect. “We haven’t had a response, it must be said that we don’t have a tractor,” quips the trade unionist. The pension system is financed by assets. So, they all agree, they will also be present this Thursday, December 5, at Place Jasmin.