Starting with April 1, 2019, more than 690,000 persons will get pensions indexed by 5.3% based on a law to modify the pension indexation formula that was adopted by the Government by avoiding Parliament endorsement at the start of this March, IPN reports, quoting the Government’s press service.

Until now, pensions were indexed according to the rise in prices the previous year. Under the new formula, pensions are indexed according to the average increase in prices the last three years. This way, the indexation rate is almost twice higher now.

“As we promised, we do things and show responsibility. Those who spoke until now will continue to speak and those who worked and did nice things will continue to work for the people,” stated Prime Minister Pavel Filip.

At the same time, the Government will offer lump sums of 600 lei in Easter assistance to elderly people who have a pension lower than 2,000 lei and to recipients of state benefits. About 610,000 persons will get such aid. Over 400,000 of these receive old-age pension, while the others get a disability pension, a successor’s pension or state social allowances.