A new PN government will focus on immediate and long-term solutions for pensioners and the elderly, said PN deputy leader David Agius and PN candidate Ian Vassallo, addressing a press conference in Pieta on Tuesday.

Vassallo said that through several proposals found in the PN electoral programme, the PN will be addressing difficulties faced by pensioners, so that they can cope with the high cost of living.

A new fund, alongside the private sector, will be implemented to reassure individuals who are concerned about their future pensions, Vassallo said.

There will be a mechanism which ensures the gradual increase of pensions according to the politics of the living income, as well as packages which address several injustices done to pensioners, Vassallo said.

Widows will be entitled to a full pension, even in the case of a divorce, where a viable and legal solution will be found which caters to both parties.

Agius added that there will be a change in mechanism to remove an anomaly which discriminates against the elderly entitled to pension who were born before 31 December 1961.

Those who have entered the working world late due to doctorate or post-doctorate studies will benefit of a year of paid social security contributions, Agius said.

If a person of 65 years of age and qualifies for a pension would like to keep working, upon a year after, if they decide to retire, they can benefit from a 7% increase in pension. After two years, one would benefit from a 13% increase, 20% increase in pension after three years, and 27% increase after four years, Agius said.

A PN government will strengthen supplementary aid and invalidity pensions, said Agius. Elderly persons who do not qualify for a social security contributions pension will be found another sustainable means to be sustained, Agius added.

Agius said that all pensioners will be exempted from tax under a PN government.

PN candidate Paula Mifsud Bonnici said that these proposals will ensure decent pensions so pensioners and elderly can cope with the high cost of living, as well as prevent poverty. She said that more than 28% of elderly are at risk of poverty.