All Mexicans aged 65 and over will soon be entitled to a state pension, President Enrique Peña Nieto announced in Guadalajara last week.
Speaking at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, Peña Nieto said the government will support an additional 2.5 million elderly Mexicans who are currently without pensions.
Until now, those aged 70 or above received 500 pesos per month, but under the expanded social security system, everyone aged 65 or above will be entitled to 525 pesos per month.In total, 5.6 million people will benefit from the program. Peña Nieto described it as “an act of social justice and recognition for the work” of senior citizens throughout their lives.
Peña Nieto was accompanied by Rosario Robles Berlanga, head of the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL), and Governor Aristoteles Sandoval, who both affirmed their commitment to Mexico’s senior citizens, with the latter saying that pensions should be considered a constitutional right rather than a “benefit” of the elderly.